Paying for a care home
Almost everyone who lives in a care home has to pay something towards the cost of it. See our financial advice page for more information.
What is the cost of living in a care home?
Each care home is put into one of four bands (bands two to four).
Band two homes are the cheapest and band five homes are the most expensive.
The amount you contribute towards the cost of your care home depends on how much income and assets you have.
My income and assets are worth more than £23,250
If your income and assets (including property) are worth more than £23,250 you will have to pay the full cost of living in a care home. People in this situation are known as 'self-funders'.
Property value
The value of your home will not count towards your cost of care if your care is temporary, or someone stills lives there who is:
- your partner
- a relative who is over 60 years old or is claiming disability benefits
- a child under 16 who you or a former partner supports.
If your care is permanent and you have a property, but your other capital is less than £23,250 we will cover the cost of your care home for the first 12 weeks of permanent care (providing we agree that care is required). You will be expected to make a contribution to the cost of your care from your income, savings and other assets, excluding the value of your home for the first 12 weeks. If the value of your home is to count towards the cost of your care you will be required to pay the full cost after 12 weeks.
You can get more information in our factsheets:
My income and assets are worth less than £23,250
If your income and assets (including property) are worth less than £23,250 you may be able to get support from us.
To work out how much you might have to pay we will carry out a care and support needs assessment and a financial assessment. This will look at:
- your needs
- you income and assets
- any benefits you are entitled to claim.
If we agree you are eligible you will be entitled to financial support up to a standard limit for the type of care you need.
You can get more information in our factsheets:
