How to Pay for Home Care in the UK
Working out how to pay for care at home is one of the first things families ask about. There are three main routes, self-funding, local authority (council) funding, and NHS funding, and many people use a combination. This guide explains each option so you can plan with confidence. Our team is always happy to talk it through with no obligation.
1. Self-funding (private care)
If your savings and assets are above the means-test threshold, you'll usually pay for your own care. Self-funding gives you the most choice and flexibility over who provides your care and when it starts, often within 24–48 hours. You are not required to have a council assessment to arrange private care, though you can still ask your local authority for a free care-needs assessment and advice.
2. Local authority (council) funding
Your local council can help fund care if your needs and finances qualify. There are two steps:
- ✓Care-needs assessment – a free assessment of the support you need, which anyone is entitled to request from their council's adult social care team.
- ✓Financial assessment (means test) – the council reviews your income and capital to decide how much, if anything, you contribute. Thresholds are set nationally and reviewed each year.
If you're eligible, you may receive direct payments, money paid to you so you can arrange your own care from a provider of your choice, including Protocol Healthcare Services.
3. NHS funding
Where care needs are primarily health-related, you may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC), which fully funds care for people with significant ongoing health needs, or NHS-funded nursing care, which contributes towards nursing care costs. Eligibility is decided by an NHS assessment. Your GP, hospital discharge team or social worker can help you request one.
Other help you may be entitled to
Attendance Allowance (for people over State Pension age) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) (for working-age adults) are non-means-tested benefits that can help towards the cost of care. Charities such as Age UK and Carers UK offer free, independent advice on benefits and funding.
How Protocol can help
Whether you're self-funding, using direct payments or arranging care after a hospital discharge, we'll match you with a vetted, trained Care Professional and build a care plan around your needs. Explore our live-in care, visiting care and private nursing services, or contact us for a free chat.
Funding Questions
Common questions about paying for care at home. Can't find your answer? Our team is always happy to help.
Contact UsIt depends on your finances. If your capital is above the national means-test threshold you'll usually self-fund; below it, your local council may contribute after a care-needs and financial assessment. Some people also qualify for NHS funding where needs are health-related.
Yes, if you qualify. Request a free care-needs assessment from your local authority's adult social care team, followed by a financial assessment. If eligible, you may receive direct payments to arrange your own care with a provider of your choice.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a package of care fully funded by the NHS for adults with significant ongoing health needs. Eligibility is decided by an NHS assessment, which your GP, social worker or hospital discharge team can help arrange.
Costs depend on the type and amount of care, from occasional visiting care to full live-in support. Rather than a one-size-fits-all price, we give you a clear, personalised quote based on your needs, with no obligation.