In shortIn England, anyone who seems to need care can ask the council for a free needs assessment. If you are eligible, a financial assessment decides what you pay. In 2026–27, people with savings and capital over £23,250 usually pay the full cost; below £14,250 capital is ignored and you contribute from income. For care at home, the value of your home is not counted.
1. The needs assessment
Under the Care Act 2014, the council must assess anyone who appears to need care and support, whatever their income or savings. The assessment looks at what you can and cannot do, what you want to achieve and whether your needs meet the national eligibility criteria. It is free. Family carers can ask for their own carer’s assessment too.
2. The financial assessment
If you are eligible, the council works out how much you should pay towards your care. The capital limits for 2026–27 are unchanged:
| Your savings and capital | What usually happens |
|---|
| Over £23,250 | You pay the full cost of your care. You can still ask the council to arrange it. |
| £14,250 to £23,250 | The council helps. You contribute from income, plus £1 a week for every £250 of capital above £14,250. |
| Under £14,250 | Capital is ignored. You contribute from your income only. |
For care in your own home, the value of the home you live in is ignored. The council must also leave you with a minimum amount of income to live on, and it should take disability-related costs into account.
3. Personal budgets and direct payments
If the council is paying towards your care, it sets a personal budget. You can let the council arrange the care, or take the budget as a direct payment and choose your own provider, such as KCP Care. Direct payments give you more say over who comes and when. The council will explain the record-keeping involved.
4. Benefits that help
- Attendance Allowance: for people over State Pension age who need help because of an illness or disability. £76.70 or £114.60 a week. It is not means-tested and you can spend it on care.
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP): the equivalent for people under State Pension age.
- Carer’s Allowance: £86.45 a week for people who care for someone for at least 35 hours a week, subject to an earnings limit.
5. NHS continuing healthcare
Some people with a primary health need qualify for NHS continuing healthcare. The NHS then pays for all their care, including care at home, whatever their savings. It starts with a screening checklist, usually by a nurse, social worker or hospital team, then a full assessment if needed. People who are rapidly deteriorating and may be at the end of life can be assessed quickly under the Fast Track pathway.
Is there a cap on care costs?
No. A cap on lifetime care costs was planned for October 2025, but the government cancelled it in July 2024. There is currently no cap in England.
Paying privately
If you pay for your own care, you can arrange it directly with a provider. You can still ask the council for a needs assessment and advice. See what home care costs.
This guide covers England only. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different rules. Figures are for the 2026–27 financial year and were checked on 13 November 2026.
Sources (checked 13 November 2026)