Finance (paying for care)

Many people believe we need to change and simplify the way help and care for older people is paid for. In the meantime, although the system is complicated, there is some help available for many people from Government and local councils, as well as specialist financial 'products' useful to people who have to pay for care themsleves.

Care in your own home

If you have been assessed as needing care in your own home (see needs assessment), the local authority may arrange and provide it for you, or you can arrange your own care independently.

Read about paying for care in your own home

Care in a care home

If you have been assessed as needing care in a care home (see needs assessment), the local authority may help you to find a home that can meet your assessed needs but you will usually be expected to find and choose a suitable home yourself.

Read about paying for care in a care home

Request written, personal funding advice from FirstStop

State Benefits

Pension Credit is available to all older people on a low income, and Winter Fuel Payments provide a small but useful addition. Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance can supplement the income of older people who need to pay for care, whether they live at home or in a care home; these are not means tested. Carers’ Allowance can supplement the income of someone who looks after you.

Read about state benefits

Handling another person’s finances

If you need to manage someone else’s affairs because they lack capacity to do so themselves, the Mental Capacity Act 2005 for England and Wales sets out who can act on their behalf, and when and under what circumstances they can do so.

Read about handling another person’s finances