Funding Live In Care Factsheet

You may be surprised to learn that you qualifiy for some level of funding to finance your long term care needs.  Below we set out what might be available to you or your loved one.

Local Authority support

Local Authority funding is not accessible to individuals where capital assets exceed £23,250. Where assets exceed this amount you are considered a ‘self-funder’, which essentially means you will have to pay for your own care fees until such a time that your capital falls below this threshold.  Some assets are excluded from the assessment which is undertaken by the Local Authority. In particular, the treatment of the person’s home can sometimes lead to confusion. This asset is excluded if:

  • A spouse or partner still resides at the property
  • A relative who is over 60 or disabled lives at the property
  • A child under 16 lives in the property
  • The care provided is likely to be temporary
  • The person needing care is in the first twelve weeks of needing permanent care

With Local Authority funding, you can top up care payments of the amount provided if it does not meet the cost of the chosen care provider. Local Authorities will only assess the individual needing care and do not assess a couple’s joint resources. For more information you will need to contact your Local Authority.

NHS Continuing Health Care and Funded Nursing Care

NHS Continuing Care is a package of care funded by the NHS. It helps to meet the physical and mental needs that a person has as a result of a disability, accident or illness. This can be provided in any setting, including your own home. The care is funded by your local Primary Care Trust. To qualify, you have to be assessed as having a ‘primary health’ need. Assessors will make this decision by looking at a person’s day-to-day needs. This can be done prior to discharge from a hospital, or when your health gets worse (i.e. if you are at home).  To arrange an assessment you will need to speak to hospital staff or your GP.  Consent to the assessment must be given by the person needing it, or in situations where they are unable to do so, the person holding Lasting Power of Attorney for their health and welfare will be required to do so.

State benefits

If you are over 65, you can claim Attendance Allowance (AA).This is non-means tested and is tax free, which means everyone is entitled to it. This can only be accessed if you need help with your personal care.  You will be required to demonstrate that you have needed help for the last six months, and have lived in the UK for at least 26 out of the last 52 weeks. There are different rates depending on how your needs affects you. The higher rate applies when care is needed during both the day and night, the lower rate applies when care is needed either during the day or at night. These payments are usually added to pension payments. This payment is stopped or not applicable if local authority payments are made. Equally this payment stops for any person with a hospital stay that exceeds four weeks.

  • Higher rate £73.60
  • Lower rate £49.30

You are able to apply online at the DirectGov website.

If you have any questions whatsoever on any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0207 632 5955 or send an email.