If you or someone you support needs help with daily living, you might be wondering if financial support is available. Under the Care Act 2014, adults in England may be eligible for help paying for care and support.

Here's what you need to know.

You may qualify for financial help if you:

• Are aged 18 or over
• Have care and support needs because of a physical or mental condition, illness, or disability
• Struggle to manage important daily tasks like washing, dressing, eating, or staying safe

The Care Act also covers carers who look after family or friends.

Your local council will carry out a needs assessment to understand your situation.
They’ll check if your difficulties make it hard to manage daily life and if they affect your wellbeing, for example your mental health, safety, or relationships.

If your needs meet the criteria, you'll move to the next step.

After the needs assessment, the council does a financial assessment (‘means test’) to look at your income and savings.

• Less than £14,250: You’ll get the maximum financial help
• Between £14,250 and £23,250: You’ll pay something towards your care
• Over £23,250: You’ll normally need to pay for your own care (self-funding)

If you're receiving care at home, your property that you are living in isn’t counted (If you have more than one properties this is included as your total savings). But if you move into a care home, the value of your home might be included, depending on your circumstances (Please check with your own council website as they may have discretion to give higher thresholds). 

If you're eligible, the council may help pay for things like:
✔ Home care (personal care, help with meals)
✔ Day centres or community activities
✔ Equipment or home adaptations
✔ Care home fees
✔ Direct Payments (money to arrange your own care)

Even if you have too much money to get financial support, you are still entitled to:

• A care needs assessment
• Advice and guidance to arrange your own care
• Support in planning for future needs

Yes – unpaid carers may qualify for support if caring affects their wellbeing. A carer’s assessment looks at whether you need help like respite breaks, equipment, or financial support.

✔ Contact your local council to request a needs assessment – you can do this online or by phone.
✔ Complete the financial assessment.
✔ Work with the council to create a care and support plan that meets your needs.

If you'd like friendly advice or help navigating the social care system, get in touch with us today.