How to Get Funding for Home Care in the UK

Figuring out how to pay for home care can feel like a daunting task. Whether you’re looking for support for yourself or a loved one, the options can seem complex and overwhelming. This guide will walk you through the different routes to funding home care in the UK, helping you understand what’s available and how to access it.

Understanding Your Needs: What Kind of Care Do You Need?

Before getting into funding, it’s wise to pinpoint the type of home care required. This will influence the costs and funding options available. Home care services can range from basic assistance with daily tasks to complex medical care. Here are some common types of home care:

• Personal Care: Help with tasks like washing, dressing, eating, and toileting.
• Domestic Help: Assistance with cleaning, laundry, cooking, and shopping.
• Companionship: Social visits and help with activities like hobbies and outings.
• Specialist Care: Care for specific conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s, or post-operative recovery.
• Live-in Care: 24/7 support from a carer living in the home.
• Respite Care: Temporary care to give family carers a break.

Having a clear understanding of the needs is a vital first step. If you’re unsure, a needs assessment (more on this below) can help clarify things.

1. Local Authority Funding: Social Services Support

Your local council’s social services department is often the first port of call for many people seeking help. If you, or the person you are seeking care for, have care needs that require support, the local authority may be able to provide financial assistance. Here’s how it works:

Needs Assessment:

The first step is to request a care needs assessment from your local council. This assessment is usually free and involves a social worker evaluating the individual’s care needs, circumstances, and general wellbeing. They will visit to establish the most appropriate level of support required.

Financial Assessment (Means Test):

Following the needs assessment, the council will conduct a financial assessment. This is a “means test” to determine whether you’re eligible for financial support. The financial assessment will assess your savings, income, and other assets. It’s important to be honest and transparent, providing all requested documentation for a fair evaluation.

• Savings and Assets: If your savings and assets are above a certain threshold (which varies across the UK), you’ll likely be expected to pay the full cost of your care. Below the threshold, you will either get some funding assistance, or it will be covered fully. As of 2024, the threshold for England is £23,250, but this is subject to change and varies in other parts of the UK. You can check the current threshold on your council website.
• Income: Your income, including pensions and benefits, is also considered when calculating your contribution.

Direct Payments and Personal Budgets:

If you are eligible for funding, you may have a choice of how the support is provided. Some people opt for direct payments, which give you control over your care. This money is paid directly to you, and you can choose which care provider you want to use. Alternatively, the council can arrange the care directly and pay the provider themselves. It’s worth noting that some individuals prefer the freedom to hire their own carers or use agencies for specific care needs through a direct payment.

Important Points to Remember:

• Right to Assessment: Anyone who appears to need care is entitled to a needs assessment from their local council.
• Appeals: If you disagree with the council’s assessment or funding decision, you have the right to appeal.
• Council Variations: Funding rules and eligibility criteria can vary slightly between local authorities, so it’s essential to check your specific council’s website for up to date information.

2. NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is free care provided by the NHS for individuals with significant long-term health needs. If you, or the person you are seeking care for, has a “primary health need”, as opposed to social care needs, this could be an option to explore. A primary health need is determined by assessing the nature, intensity, complexity and unpredictability of needs and if a person requires care that is above and beyond the provision that can be provided by your local council.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Primary Health Need: CHC is provided for those with complex health conditions requiring care that is primarily health-based, rather than social care needs.
• Assessments: This is decided by the NHS and usually involves multiple assessments involving medical professionals.
• Complexity: Cases can be complex and may involve appeals if initially rejected.
• Fully Funded: If you’re eligible for NHS CHC, the NHS will cover the full cost of your care, which can be either home-based or in a care facility.

How to Apply:

• Referral: Contact your GP, hospital discharge team, or social services to initiate the assessment process.
• Full Assessment: A multidisciplinary team will assess your health needs against the National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare.
• Ongoing Review: If successful, CHC funding is reviewed periodically to ensure care needs are still being met.

3. Attendance Allowance and Other Benefits

Several benefits can help with the cost of care, though they’re usually paid directly to the individual, and aren’t directly designated for care costs. These benefits can significantly ease the financial burden of home care.

Attendance Allowance (AA):

• Purpose: Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit for people aged 65 or over who need help with personal care due to illness or disability.
• Eligibility: You must need help with activities like dressing, bathing, or eating, either during the day, at night, or both.
• Amount: AA is paid at two rates, depending on the level of care needed.
• No Impact on Other Benefits: AA does not affect other benefits, and can provide a useful contribution to home care costs.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP):

• Purpose: PIP is a benefit for people under State Pension age with a long-term health condition or disability. PIP is designed to support individuals with a wide range of needs.
• Eligibility: It’s assessed based on how your condition affects your ability to carry out everyday tasks.
• Components: PIP has two components, and you may be eligible for one or both: daily living and mobility.
• Use: PIP can provide valuable financial support to fund home care, or other assistive aids to help independence.

Carer’s Allowance:

• Purpose: Carer’s Allowance is a benefit for people who provide at least 35 hours of care a week to someone with a disability. It is awarded to the carer not the individual receiving care.
• Eligibility: There are criteria for the carers income that can be checked to assess eligibility.
• Impact: While it’s designed for carers, it can be an additional benefit that supports a family’s overall income.

Other Benefits:

• Pension Credit: For those with low income and over State Pension age.
• Housing Benefit: To help with rent payments.
• Council Tax Support: To reduce the cost of council tax.

To explore which benefits you, or the person you are seeking care for, may be eligible for, it is always useful to use an independent benefits calculator, such as the ones offered by Turn2Us and Age UK. These can be a quick and easy way to establish your options.

4. Private Funding

If public funding isn’t an option, or doesn’t cover all of the care required, you can consider private funding through your personal finances. Here are some options:

• Savings: Using personal savings is a straightforward method, particularly if the amount of care required is modest.
• Pensions: Consider using your pension to pay for care costs.
• Equity Release: This can allow homeowners to free up capital from their home, without having to sell their property. It can be a complex decision though, so you should always seek financial advice before committing to this.
• Family Contributions: Family members can agree to contribute financially to their loved ones’ care.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: If you have existing long-term care insurance, it may cover some or all care costs, so it is always worth checking the terms of the policy.

5. Charities and Grant Funding

Some charities provide grants or financial assistance for care. However, funding is limited and typically requires very specific circumstances. Some potential options are:

• National Charities: Organisations like Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and Macmillan Cancer Support may offer financial aid or guidance.
• Condition-Specific Charities: If you’re seeking care for a particular health condition, search for a related charity.
• Local Charities: Your local community may have smaller charities that offer support for care costs.

Key Takeaways

Figuring out how to pay for home care can be a lot to take in, but there are a few simple things to keep in mind that can make the whole process much easier and less stressful. These points will help you stay on track, make sure you’re not missing out on anything, and ultimately find the best care solution.

• Plan Ahead: Start looking into your funding options as soon as you can. It’s much better to get things sorted early, rather than waiting until you’re in a rush. By planning ahead, you’ll have more time to explore your choices, apply for funding properly, and make decisions that really work for you.
• Get Some Expert Advice: Don’t be afraid to reach out to places like Citizens Advice or an independent financial advisor. They’re there to help you understand what benefits and grants are available, and how to plan your finances. They can help you understand the complicated bits and make sure you’re getting all the support you’re entitled to.
• Mix and Match Funding: Often, you’ll need to use a combination of different funding sources. So, think about combining public funding, benefits, and your own money. Relying on just one thing might not cover everything, and a mix of different approaches is often the best way to make it all work.
• Keep Things Under Review: Remember that your care needs and the funding you get might need to change over time, so it’s important to regularly review things. As health or situations change, what worked before might not be right anymore, so checking in on things often will help make sure you’re still getting what you need.
• Speak Up and Explore: Don’t be shy about asking questions, challenging decisions, and looking into every option you have. You know your situation best, so stay involved, be ready to appeal things and explore all possibilities to give yourself or your loved one the best possible care.

Taking the Next Step

Navigating the complexities of home care funding can be challenging, but understanding the options available is an important first step. If you, or a loved one, are considering home care, just remember to take your time and explore the options that are available.

If you’d like to discuss your care needs and how Lidder Care can help, please get in touch with our friendly team today. We are here to provide the support and advice that you need.