Funding Your Live-in Care — A Complete Guide

If your loved one has savings and other capital worth more than £23,250, they will generally be expected to pay for their own care. This is known as self-funding. When care is provided in their own home, the value of that home is not counted in the council's means test.

While self-funding, you have complete freedom to choose your care provider, your carer, and the type of care you receive. You're not limited to providers approved by the local authority, and you can make changes whenever you wish.

Even if you're self-funding, you may still be entitled to certain benefits (see below) that can help offset the cost.

NHS Continuing Healthcare is a package of care arranged and funded entirely by the NHS for people with complex, ongoing healthcare needs. If your loved one qualifies, the full cost of their care is covered — including live-in care at home.

Eligibility is based on care needs, not financial circumstances. A person is eligible if their primary need is a health need, assessed using a Decision Support Tool that looks at 12 areas (known as domains) including breathing, nutrition, mobility, continence, behaviour, cognition, and more.

The assessment process can be complex, but we have significant experience helping families navigate it. We can provide detailed care records and evidence to support applications.

Fast-track funding: For people with rapidly deteriorating conditions or who are near the end of life, a fast-track assessment can be completed very quickly — sometimes within days.

If your local authority agrees to fund some or all of your care, they must provide you with a personal budget — the amount they believe your care should cost. You can choose to receive this as a direct payment each month.

Direct payments give you the freedom and control to choose your own care provider, including a live-in carer, rather than being limited to services the council arranges. This means you can select a provider that truly matches your needs and preferences.

Many families use direct payments to fund live-in care because it offers far better value than fragmented hourly visiting care. With a single live-in carer, every pound of your personal budget goes towards consistent, dedicated, one-to-one support.

Your local authority must also give you a care and support plan that sets out your needs, how they will be met, and your personal budget amount.

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP): For people under 65 who need help with daily living or getting around.
• Carer's Allowance: For family members who provide care for 35+ hours per week. Worth £76.75 per week.
• Pension Credit: Additional financial support for people on low incomes in retirement.
• Veterans' benefits: Former armed forces personnel may be eligible for additional support through the War Pension Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
• Charitable grants: Organisations like the Royal British Legion, Age UK, Turn2Us, and condition-specific charities may offer grants towards care costs.
• Equity release: Some families consider releasing equity from the home to fund care. Professional financial advice is essential before pursuing this option.