One of the biggest concerns families have when considering care is how to pay for it. The care funding landscape in England is genuinely complex — but it's also more flexible than many people realise. There are several routes to funding, and many families qualify for more support than they think.
This guide covers the main funding options in plain English — what they are, who qualifies, and how to access them.
💡 Key principle
Never assume you will have to pay for everything yourself. Always explore local authority funding and NHS routes before committing to full self-funding. Many families are surprised by what they qualify for.
Option 1: Self-funding
If the person receiving care has capital (savings, investments, or property) above the upper threshold — currently £23,250 in England — they will be expected to fund their own care costs.
Self-funding gives you the most choice and flexibility. You can select your preferred provider without the constraints of local authority commissioning rates. However, it's important to:
- Get a clear written quote with no hidden fees.
- Understand minimum visit durations and cancellation terms.
- Consider whether costs are sustainable long-term, and plan accordingly.
- Ask whether the provider offers any flexibility if financial circumstances change.
Even as a self-funder, you are entitled to request a Needs Assessment from your local authority — this is free and can help clarify what support is available to you.
Option 2: Local authority funding
If capital is below the upper threshold, you may be entitled to some or all of your care costs being covered by your local authority. The process works as follows:
- Request a Care Needs Assessment from your local authority's adult social care team. This is free and must be offered to anyone who appears to need care.
- If eligible, a Financial Assessment (means test) is carried out to determine your contribution, based on income and capital.
- The local authority will calculate a personal budget — the amount they will contribute towards your care.
- You can receive this as a Direct Payment — money paid directly to you to arrange your own care from a provider of your choice — or as a managed arrangement.
- If your preferred provider charges more than the local authority rate, you (or a family member) may be asked to top up the difference.
💡 Direct Payments — the flexible option
Choosing a Direct Payment gives you control over who provides your care. Rather than accepting whichever agency your council contracts with, you receive the funding and choose your own provider — including Acrux Support Services. Many families find this gives them far better outcomes.
Option 3: NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
NHS Continuing Healthcare is a package of care that is fully funded by the NHS — covering the full cost of care at home or in a care home. It is not means-tested: financial circumstances are irrelevant.
CHC is available to adults in England with a complex, primary health need. It is often more available than people realise, but also frequently under-applied for — partly because the process is complicated and partly because people don't know it exists.
To be eligible, you must undergo a formal CHC assessment carried out by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of health and social care professionals. The assessment considers:
- The nature of your health conditions and their complexity.
- How unpredictable your care needs are.
- The intensity and quality of the care required.
If you are turned down for CHC, you have the right to ask for a review. Many initial decisions are overturned on appeal — particularly when supported by a specialist advocate.
Option 4: Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people aged 65 and over who have a physical or mental disability and need help with personal care or supervision. It is not means-tested — savings and income do not affect eligibility.
There are two rates (2024):
- Lower rate (£68.10/week) — for those who need help or supervision during the day or at night.
- Higher rate (£101.75/week) — for those who need help or supervision both day and night, or who are terminally ill.
Attendance Allowance can be used for any purpose, including paying for home care. It is claimed through the DWP, and many eligible people never apply — simply because they don't know about it.
Option 5: Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
For adults under 65 with a long-term health condition or disability, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) may be available. PIP has two components — daily living and mobility — each awarded at either a standard or enhanced rate.
Like Attendance Allowance, PIP is not means-tested and can be used to help fund care costs.
Getting help navigating the system
The care funding system is genuinely complex, and many families find the process daunting. Here are some sources of support:
- Age UK — free advice and advocacy for older people. ageuk.org.uk
- Citizens Advice — free, impartial guidance on benefits and funding. citizensadvice.org.uk
- Carers UK — support and information for unpaid carers. carersuk.org
- Your local authority's adult social care team — call them to request a free Needs Assessment.
✓ We can help
Our care coordinators are experienced in supporting families to navigate the funding landscape. During your free assessment, we'll talk through your options, help you understand what you might be entitled to, and support you in accessing the right route. There's no obligation to proceed at any stage.