Local Authority Funding for Care in Your Own Home
Worried about how to pay for care at home? From local authority support to grants and private funding, there are several ways to manage costs. At Certain Care, we help you explore the best funding options for live-in care, simply and clearly.
If you or a loved one needs care and support, you may be eligible for local authority funding for care in your own home. This begins with a care needs assessment by your local council to determine what kind of help is required. If your needs meet the eligibility criteria, a financial assessment follows to work out how much you’ll need to contribute.
The council looks at your income and savings and not your assets. If your finances fall below certain thresholds, you may receive partial or full funding. The total cost of your care package is calculated based on your needs, and the local authority will break this down into two parts: what you pay, and what they cover. This ensures your care at home is not only suitable but also affordable based on your circumstances.
The council would assess the client and what their needs are. For example, they might decide that the client needs four hours of care per day, one hour in the morning, one hour at lunch, one hour in the evening and one hour at bed in total and they budget for £25 per hour which would mean that the client’s daily allowance is £100 or £700 per week. You can then ask for that £700 budget as a ‘Personal Budget’ to be paid to you as a ‘Direct Payment’ which you would then top up to pay for live in care.
More information on how the council helps with funding live in care below:
| Your Capital | Who Pays for Care? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Over £23,250 | Self-Funded | If your capital is above £23,250, you won’t receive financial help from the council. You’ll need to cover the full cost of care – this is known as being a self-funder. |
| Between £14,250 and £23,250 | Partially Council-Funded |
You’ll get some help from the council, but you’ll also need to pay:
The tariff is calculated at £1 per week for every £250 (or part of £250) you have over £14,250. |
| Under £14,250 | Council-Funded with Income Contribution | If your capital is below £14,250, the council will provide funding for your care. You’ll still contribute from your income, but you won’t be charged any tariff income. |
Grants for Home Health Care
In addition to council funding, you may also qualify for grants for home health care. These can come from various sources, including the government, the NHS, and charitable organisations. For individuals with complex medical needs, NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) may be available. This is a fully funded package of care provided by the NHS, which can cover the entire cost of live-in care if your health needs are substantial and ongoing.
There are also condition-specific grants available from charities that support people living with illnesses such as dementia, cancer, or neurological disorders such as Motor Neurone Disease. These grants often help cover additional support or equipment needed at home. Eligibility for grants usually depends on your diagnosis, level of need, and financial situation, so it’s worth exploring multiple avenues to see what assistance you might qualify for.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to funding live-in care. Many people choose to self-fund using savings, income, or pensions. Others look into equity release, which allows you to unlock funds from your home while continuing to live in it. Another long-term solution is a care annuity, which provides a guaranteed income to pay for care in exchange for a lump-sum payment.
If you’re eligible, you may receive public support through local authority funding for care in your own home or grants for home health care. For some families, combining these options provides the best flexibility and value. Understanding how to fund live-in care often involves comparing multiple routes to find what works best for your financial and personal situation.
Funding Live-In Care: What Are Your Options?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to funding live-in care. Many people choose to self-fund using savings, income, or pensions. Others look into equity release, which allows you to unlock funds from your home while continuing to live in it. Another long-term solution is a care annuity, which provides a guaranteed income to pay for care in exchange for a lump-sum payment.
If you’re eligible, you may receive public support through local authority funding for care in your own home or grants for home health care. For some families, combining these options provides the best flexibility and value. Understanding how to fund live-in care often involves comparing multiple routes to find what works best for your financial and personal situation.
What’s the Best Way to Fund Home Care?
Determining how to fund live-in care depends on a few key factors: your income, health needs, and long-term plans. For some, local authority funding for care in your own home may provide the majority of support. For others, private means such as savings or equity release may be more appropriate. Don’t overlook grants for home health care, which can offer vital financial help, especially for those with complex conditions.
At Certain Care, we’re here to help you understand every option. Whether you’re exploring funding live-in care for yourself or a loved one, we’ll walk you through the process step by step. Get in touch for tailored guidance on how to fund live-in care with confidence.
FAQs About Funding For Live-In Care
Eligibility depends on both your care needs and your finances. The council will assess whether you meet the criteria for support and then conduct a financial assessment to determine how much you can contribute. If your savings and income fall below the set thresholds, you may be entitled to full or partial local authority funding for care in your own home.
To apply for live-in care funding, you’ll need to contact your local authority to arrange a care needs assessment. If you’re eligible, they will also perform a financial assessment to establish your contribution. Depending on the outcome, the council may offer a personal budget or arrange live-in care directly on your behalf.
Yes. There are multiple care funding options that don’t require selling your home. These include care annuities, using savings or pensions, and equity release, which allows you to access money tied up in your property without needing to move. You may also qualify for local authority funding or grants for home health care, which can significantly reduce the financial burden.
Yes, in some cases. If you have complex and ongoing health needs, you may be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC). This is a fully funded package that covers care at home, including live-in care. Eligibility is based on health conditions, not financial status, and requires a full assessment by the NHS.
