Many families ask whether social services will fund live-in care when a loved one needs extra help at home. The short answer is yes, in some circumstances, local council or local authority funding can contribute towards the cost of live-in care, but it depends on care needs and financial circumstances.
Below is a clear, practical guide to how council funding works, what you may be entitled to and how to find out if you can receive funding to help cover live-in care costs.
Can the local council pay for live-in care?
Under the Care Act, local authorities are legally obliged to assess anyone who appears to need care and support. If your loved one has eligible care needs, the council must consider how those needs can be met.
This can include live-in care, home care or in some cases residential care. Live-in care is often suitable where someone needs help with everyday tasks but wants to remain in their own home rather than move into a care home.
Step one: the needs assessment
The first step is a needs assessment, which is free and can be requested by anyone. A social worker will look at how your loved one manages daily life, including:
- Washing and dressing
- Preparing meals
- Medication management
- Mobility and safety
- Emotional wellbeing and companionship
If the council decides your loved one has eligible care needs, they must put a care and support plan in place. This plan outlines the type of care package required and whether live-in care is appropriate.
Step two: the financial assessment or means test
If care is needed, the council will carry out a financial assessment, also known as a means test, to decide how much help they will provide towards care fees.
This assessment looks at:
- Savings and investments
- Income, including pensions and benefits
- Property ownership and joint assets
In England, if someone has savings above the upper limit of £23,250, they are usually expected to pay the full cost of their care and are classed as self funding. If savings are below this amount, the council may contribute towards care costs.
If savings fall below the lower limit, the council may cover most of the cost, with a contribution from income.
How council funding is paid
If the council agrees to fund live-in care, your loved one will usually receive a personal budget. This can be managed in different ways, including:
- A direct payment paid into a bank account
- The council arranging care with approved care providers
- A managed fund held by an organisation on your behalf
A direct payment often gives families more flexibility to choose live-in care and select their preferred care provider or own carer.
Benefits that may help with care costs
Some benefits do not cover care fees directly but can help with overall costs:
- Attendance Allowance for those who have reached state pension age
- Disability Living Allowance for people under state pension age
- Pension Credit and other income related benefits
These benefits can contribute towards paying for care but do not replace council funding.
NHS continuing healthcare
In some cases, the NHS covers the full cost of care through NHS Continuing Healthcare. This applies when care needs are primarily health related rather than social care needs.
Eligibility is assessed by the NHS and may involve a clinical commissioning group. If approved, funding can be provided on an ongoing basis and may cover live-in care, nursing care or complex care at home.
If you’re unsure of your eligibility for CHC funding, our easy-to-use calculator can help. It assesses whether you or a loved one might meet the CHC funding criteria, using a simple questionnaire based on the official NHS assessment.
What if your loved one owns their home?
Owning a property does not always mean it must be sold. Depending on the situation, options may include:
- Using savings or income
- Equity release
- A lifetime mortgage
- A home reversion plan
If a close relative continues to live in the property, the home may be disregarded during the financial assessment. Independent financial advice is strongly recommended before making any decisions involving property.
Top up fees and choice
If the council agrees to fund care but your chosen live-in care provider costs more than the council rate, a top up fee may be required. This is usually paid by a close relative rather than the person receiving care.
Even when receiving funding, you still have the right to be involved in decisions about care services and how your personal budget is spent.
Getting started with funding
To explore funding options:
- Contact your local authority adult social care team
- Request a needs assessment
- Ask for a financial assessment
- Discuss whether live-in care is suitable
Need help understanding care funding?
Care funding can feel overwhelming, especially when you are supporting a loved one and trying to make the right decision. Independent People can help you understand your options, from council funding to NHS healthcare funding and self funding routes.
We provide expert guidance on live-in care and can support you through assessments, funding decisions and care planning.
Call 0808 304 0500 or email hello1770325786@ipho1770325786mecar1770325786e.co.1770325786uk1770325786 to speak to our care team today.