How to Check Your Eligibility for Adult Social Care Funding in England

Simplifying the Process of Qualifying for Adult Social Care Funding in England

Securing funding for adult social care in England can be complex, but understanding the criteria and steps involved can make it more manageable. This guide walks you through the basics of determining eligibility and how to apply for funding.

Adult social care provides essential support for adults with physical or mental impairments, chronic illnesses, or other conditions that require assistance with daily living. This can include help with personal care, home help, and medical support.

Types of Available Funding

Different funding types have unique eligibility criteria and application processes, including:

Local Authority Funding
NHS Continuing Healthcare
Personal Health Budgets
Direct Payments

Steps to Determine Eligibility

1. Assess Your Care Needs

The first step is understanding the level of support you require. Local authorities offer a needs assessment to evaluate your situation. This assessment considers factors such as your ability to carry out daily tasks, mental and physical health, and personal circumstances. We at Caremark Greenwich can come out an offer an assessment too and can talk through the options and guide you through the funding route.

2. Understand the Eligibility Criteria

After the needs assessment, the local authority applies national eligibility criteria under the Care Act 2014. You may qualify for funded support if you:

Need assistance with essential daily activities (like eating, bathing, dressing).
Would experience a significant impact on your wellbeing if these needs were not met.

3. Undergo a Financial Assessment

If you meet the eligibility criteria, the next step is a financial assessment, or means test, to determine your contribution towards care costs. This involves evaluating:

Income: Including pensions and benefits.
Savings and Assets: Includes property, savings, and other investments. If you require residential care, the value of your home may be considered.

Savings thresholds are as follows:

Below £14,250: Maximum support entitlement.
Between £14,250 and £23,250: Partial contribution required.
Above £23,250: Full payment for your care is expected.

4. NHS Continuing Healthcare

If you have ongoing, significant health needs, you might qualify for fully funded care through NHS Continuing Healthcare, which covers individuals whose primary care need is health-related.

Eligibility Assessment: This involves a comprehensive review by healthcare professionals using a Decision Support Tool to assess if your primary needs are health-based.

5. Personal Health Budgets and Direct Payments

For eligible individuals, personal health budgets or direct payments provide flexibility in managing care. This allows you to control how and by whom your care is delivered to better meet your needs.

Appeals and Complaints Process

If you disagree with the outcome of your needs or financial assessment, you have the right to appeal. This can be done through your local authority’s complaints process or, if necessary, via the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

Requesting a Needs Assessment

To start, contact your local council or us at Caremark Greenwich to request a needs assessment. This assessment, provided free of charge, is conducted by a social worker or trained professional to thoroughly review your care needs.

In Summary

Securing adult social care funding in England involves several key steps: assessing your needs, reviewing eligibility criteria, completing a financial assessment, and exploring NHS Continuing Healthcare if applicable. Engaging early with your local authority, understanding your rights, and seeking advice can make navigating this process smoother.

For additional guidance, reach out to Caremark Greenwich, Age UK, Citizens Advice, or other local support groups that specialise in assisting individuals with social care access.

To choose Caremark Greenwich for your Private Funded or Government Assisted Funding please contact us

What is Adult Social Care?