State-supported payments
Applying for financial support with home care costs involves a few application forms. Unfortunately, we can’t complete these for you or your loved one, but in this section we’ll give you an overview of the process involved and help make it a little easier to understand.
Are you caring for someone else?
First things first, talk to your local council. They will probably want to arrange a
carer’s assessment which is designed to see what might help make things easier for you and the person you care for. It’s a chance to discuss your needs with experts who will be able to decide how best to support you.
Are you looking for financial support for a loved one’s care at home or for your own care at home?
In some cases, you or your loved one may be able to receive partial funding for home care from your/their local council. In this instance a
needs assessment is required to determine the level of need. Your or your relative’s local council will carry this out.
Financial assessment
If the relevant local council discovers that extra support at home is required for yourself or someone you care for, they will arrange a
financial assessment to be carried out. This is essentially a financial means test to determine more about your or your loved one’s circumstances and find out what you/they can afford to pay. The local council will look at your or your loved one’s income and savings to work out how much can be contributed towards the cost of care and support. If you/they are being cared for at home the means test won’t take into account the value of your/their property (it would for residential care).
If you or your loved one lives in England or Northern Ireland and have assets of greater than
£23,250, you’re/they’re automatically discounted for financial support for care at home. This figure differs slightly for Wales and Scotland. (Please note, this information was correct as of June 2020.)
If you are eligible for funding
If you or your family member or friend is found to be eligible for financial support, the local council, the NHS or HSC Trust will organise funding directly with us. Alternatively, you or your loved one can choose to receive
direct payments and arrange and pay for the home care independently.
How much might we receive?
It’s unusual for people to receive full or majority funding due to a limited amount of money available for local council to allocate. This level of funding generally goes to those who live alone, have recently been discharged from hospital or can’t manage without care. Instead the council may agree to subsidise needs, such as home adaptations or rehabilitation.
Age UK has put together a
fact sheet on personal budgets and direct payments. The Money Advice Service has a guide with more information on
direct payments.
NHS continuing healthcare
If you or your relative needs a full-time carer for health reasons you/they may be entitled to
NHS continuing healthcare, which includes full financing for any services that take place outside the hospital, covering personal care, nursing care and any costs related to household adjustments due to your health condition. This type of funding is only awarded after a full assessment with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. If it is given your family work collaboratively with a professional to create a bespoke care and support package.
In some cases, the NHS may decide to work with the related local council to cover the costs of care. This is known as a ‘joint package’
Benefits for care recipients
There are two types of benefits available to help cover the costs of care. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance allowance.
PIP goes towards the costs of long-term health conditions and disability for those under 65. It isn’t means tested and is organised by the
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The rates given are as follows and it requires filling out a form and attending a routine medical assessment during which, if eligible to receive PIP, it is decided which component you fall into. Head
here for more information and to apply.
Attendance allowance helps cover the costs of care for those aged 65 and over. It isn’t means tested and is designed for those who need help with everyday activities, getting around and medical care.
To apply you need to fill in a claim form.
Benefits for carers
If you look after someone for 35 hours or more a week, you may be entitled to carer’s allowance.
Depending on your financial situation you could receive up to £62.70 a week. You can find out if you are eligible
here.
If you look after someone for at least 20 hours a week, you may instead be entitled to National Insurance credits. More information can be found
here.
This online
benefits calculator will show if you are entitled to other means-tested benefits, including Income support, Income-related employment and support allowance, Jobseeker’s allowance, Pension credit, or Universal credit.
