What Are the Options for Financial Support for Elderly Care?

When someone you love needs care, the last thing you want to worry about is money. But for many families, the costs can feel overwhelming, and it’s hard to know what help is out there.

This blog will guide you through the main types of financial support for elderly care in the UK – from council funding and NHS help to benefits and practical discounts.

What Is Elderly Care — and Who Pays for It?

Elderly care includes things like support at home (help with washing, dressing or meals), live-in care, care homes, nursing homes, and equipment to help with mobility or daily living. Some care is free from the NHS, some is funded by your local council, and some needs to be paid for privately.

Who pays depends on two key things:

• What kind of care is needed
• How much money, savings, and assets the person has

Who Is Eligible for Council Care Funding in the UK?

If your loved one needs help with daily tasks like washing, dressing, or getting around safely at home or in a care home, the local council may be able to help with the cost. But to qualify, two important steps must happen first:

1. A Care Needs Assessment — This checks what type and level of care is required. Anyone can request this from their council, and it’s free. They’ll look at how much day-to-day support your loved one needs, for example, with personal care, staying safe, or managing their health, to decide whether they’re eligible for help.
2. A Financial Assessment (Means Test) — This looks at the person’s income, savings, and assets to work out if they should pay for some or all of their care.

According to current rules in England (as of 2024):

• If the person has more than £23,250 in savings or assets, they are likely to be self-funding (paying for their own care).
• If they have between £14,250 and £23,250, they may receive partial council funding.
• If they have less than £14,250, the council may pay for most or all of their care, but income such as pensions may still be used as a contribution.

Property may also be taken into account if the person is moving into a care home. However, if a spouse or certain relatives still live in the home, it may be disregarded.

If eligible, the council might offer:

• Funded homecare visits
• Support with moving to a care home
• A personal budget to choose care providers
• Mobility aids or home adaptations (like stairlifts or walk-in showers)

You can find more detail on the assessment process and funding thresholds on GOV.UK and Age UK.

What Does NHS Continuing Healthcare Cover and Who Qualifies?

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a package of care that’s fully arranged and funded by the NHS for people with serious, ongoing health conditions. It can be provided in a care home, nursing home, or even in your own home, and it covers:

• Nursing and personal care
• Residential or home-based care
• Equipment or specialist support if needed

Unlike council care funding, CHC is not means-tested — it doesn’t depend on savings or income. Instead, eligibility is based entirely on health needs.

To qualify, the person must go through a detailed assessment, where their physical, mental, and emotional health needs are considered. The process can be complex and the bar for approval is high, so it’s not unusual for families to feel confused or frustrated.

We’d always recommend getting advice from a specialist CHC adviser before applying. If your loved one has complex medical needs, it’s absolutely worth exploring this route.

You can read more about eligibility and how the assessment works on NHS England.

What Support Can You Get When Leaving Hospital?

If someone is being discharged from hospital, they may be offered short-term support to help them recover safely and regain independence. This support is separate from NHS Continuing Healthcare and is not based on savings or income.

It is often known as:

• Intermediate Care
• Reablement Care
• Discharge to Assess (D2A)

Depending on needs and local policies, this care may be fully funded for up to 6 weeks. It typically includes:

• Help from carers or therapists at home
• Equipment like walking aids or hospital beds
• Temporary placements in care or nursing homes

The aim is to support recovery and give professionals time to assess long-term care needs outside of the hospital setting.

Availability and length of funding can vary depending on the local authority and NHS trust. We strongly advise speaking to the hospital discharge team or a local adult social care adviser to understand what support your loved one may be entitled to.

What Is NHS-Funded Nursing Care and How Does It Help?

NHS-Funded Nursing Care (FNC) is separate from both NHS Continuing Healthcare and reablement care. It applies only if someone is living in a care home that provides nursing care and they have been assessed as needing a registered nurse – but they don’t qualify for full NHS Continuing Healthcare funding.

The NHS pays a flat weekly amount directly to the care home to cover the nursing care element. This helps reduce the overall cost of care, but it won’t cover accommodation, food, or personal care. As of 2024, the standard rate in England is £219.71 per week, though this may vary slightly depending on where you live.

To receive FNC, the person must first go through a Continuing Healthcare assessment. If CHC is refused but nursing needs are identified, FNC may be awarded instead.

What Financial Benefits Can Older People Claim?

Regardless of whether someone qualifies for NHS or council-funded care, there are still a number of benefits that may help ease financial pressure. These can support with everyday costs or top up income, and are often available even if someone is funding their care privately.

Here are some of the most common:

• Attendance Allowance – For people over State Pension age who need help with personal care due to illness or disability. This is not means-tested. (GOV.UK)
• Pension Credit – A top-up benefit for people on a low income in retirement. It may also entitle you to help with housing or Council Tax. (GOV.UK)
• Housing Benefit – Help with rent costs for those on a low income (now often part of Universal Credit for new applicants). (GOV.UK)
• Carer’s Allowance – For people providing regular unpaid care (at least 35 hours a week) to someone who receives certain disability benefits. (GOV.UK)

Each benefit has its own eligibility rules, so it’s worth using a free benefits calculator — such as the one on Age UK — or speaking to a local advice service like Citizens Advice or Age UK.

Because benefit rules can change and vary by situation, we always recommend getting individual advice before applying.

Can You Get Help with Council Tax and Household Bills?

Yes, many older people are eligible for extra support with everyday living costs, especially if they are on a low income or receive certain benefits. This help is separate from care funding and is designed to reduce financial pressure at home.

Here are some of the main forms of support:

• Council Tax Reduction or Exemption – Local councils offer reduced bills or full exemptions depending on income, savings, disabilities, or if someone lives alone or with a carer. Each council runs its own scheme, so it’s best to check directly. (GOV.UK guide)
• Winter Fuel Payment – A tax-free payment of £250–£600 to help with heating bills during the winter, available to most people over State Pension age. (GOV.UK)
• Cold Weather Payment – A £25 payment made automatically when temperatures fall below freezing for 7 days in a row, if you’re receiving certain benefits. (GOV.UK)
• Warm Home Discount – A one-off discount on electricity bills for those on low income or receiving Pension Credit. (GOV.UK)
• WaterSure / Social Tariffs – Many utility companies offer discounted tariffs for people on benefits or with health conditions. Contact your supplier to ask what’s available.

Are There Any Charities or Grants for Elderly Care Support?

There are a number of organisations that offer financial help for older people struggling with care costs, particularly for things like equipment, home adaptations, or short-term relief.

Some well-known sources of support include:

• Turn2Us – Offers access to a wide database of charitable grants for people on low incomes. You can search by location, age, and need. (Turn2Us Grant Search)
• Friends of the Elderly – Offers grants to older people living on a low income for essential items or small home improvements. (Friends of the Elderly Grants)
• Disease-specific charities – Many charities offer help based on a particular condition (such as Parkinson’s UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, or the MS Society).

In addition to charitable help, you may also be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant from your local council to help pay for necessary home adaptations like stairlifts or accessible bathrooms. This is means-tested and needs to be applied for through your local authority.

We recommend speaking to your local council or using the Turn2Us grant search tool to see what support might be available in your area.

What Happens If You’re Just Over the Council Funding Threshold?

If someone has savings or assets just over the current limit (which is £23,250 in England), they usually won’t be eligible for council-funded care right away. However, there are still steps that can make things more manageable:

• Speak to a care fees specialist or financial adviser who understands the care system. They can help you plan ahead, make informed decisions, and avoid costly mistakes.
• Check for other financial support that may still be available, such as Attendance Allowance or Council Tax Reduction, which are not means-tested.
• Plan for the future — care costs can be long-term, and savings may drop below the threshold in time, so preparing in advance is wise.

It’s important not to deliberately give away money or assets to try and qualify for help as this is known as deprivation of assets, and councils have the right to still include it in your financial assessment.

The rules around capital and care funding can be complex, so we always recommend seeking professional advice before making any big financial decisions.

Do You Have to Sell Your Home to Pay for Elderly Care?

Not necessarily. If your loved one owns their home and moves into a care home, it’s natural to worry about whether the property will have to be sold. But in many cases, that isn’t the only option.

Councils in England offer something called a Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA). This allows the cost of care to be covered by the council upfront, and repaid later — usually from the value of the person’s home after they’ve passed away or the house is sold. In simple terms, it’s like a loan secured against the property, with low interest.

It’s also worth knowing that some homes are excluded from the financial assessment entirely, especially if a spouse, civil partner, or certain close relatives still live there. In these cases, the home may not be counted at all when working out whether the person qualifies for council support.

To apply for a DPA, certain conditions must be met – including owning the home, having limited savings, and needing long-term care in a care home. The rules can be complex, so it’s always a good idea to speak to your local authority and get independent financial advice to understand what’s best for your situation.

You can find out more on GOV.UK.

What If You Disagree with a Funding Decision?

It’s completely understandable to feel frustrated or overwhelmed if a funding decision doesn’t go the way you expected, but you do have options.

If the decision was made by your local council (e.g. about care funding or means testing), you can ask for a review or make a formal complaint under their complaints procedure. If the decision relates to NHS Continuing Healthcare, there is a separate process for challenging the outcome, which involves a request for a review followed by an appeal through NHS England if needed.

Here’s what you can do:

• Ask for a written explanation of how the decision was reached
• Request a reassessment or review, especially if you believe something was missed or your situation has changed
• Use the formal appeals process through your council or NHS team, depending on who made the decision
• Get support from an independent advocate or advice organisation such as Age UK, Beacon CHC, or your local Healthwatch. They can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process

We recommend keeping copies of any correspondence and making notes of conversations, so you have a clear record if you need to follow up.

For more detail, you can visit NHS England or Age UK’s guidance on challenging care decisions.

How to Apply for Elderly Care Support: Step-by-Step

Applying for financial support can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into steps can help make things clearer. Here’s how to start:

1. Contact your local council to request a care needs assessment. This is your first step to accessing support — and it’s free.
2. Ask about NHS Continuing Healthcare during or after the assessment if your loved one has complex health needs. This is a separate funding route not based on financial means.
3. Have a financial assessment (means test) to see whether you qualify for council funding. This includes income, savings, and assets.
4. Check for NHS-Funded Nursing Care if your loved one is moving into a nursing home but doesn’t qualify for CHC.
5. Apply for benefits like Attendance Allowance or Pension Credit, which can help with day-to-day costs and are often overlooked.
6. Look into charitable grants or support from organisations like Turn2Us or your local council (e.g. Disabled Facilities Grants).
7. Plan ahead for longer-term costs, including what might happen if savings reduce or care needs increase.

You can read more about the full application process on NHS England or Age UK.

Need Help Navigating Care Funding?

Every family’s situation is different,  and knowing what support is available can make all the difference.

If you’re unsure where to begin, our team is here to help. We can talk you through the options, help you understand what funding might apply, and support you in planning care that works for your loved one — and for you.

Call us for a friendly chat, or explore our live-in care and specialist dementia care services to see how we can help.

Helena Hitchcox

With over 40 years of experience in the care industry, providing outstanding care has always been Helena’s core mission.

Helena has been a dedicated member of Unique Senior Care for eight years, starting as Care Manager and advancing to Head of Extra Care and now serving as Director of Operations.

She holds a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services (England), as well as a Diploma in Welfare Services. Helena has completed various leadership and management courses, enhancing her expertise in the care industry.

Helena has authored published articles, including one for Skills for Care on managing change through the COVID pandemic. She has a steadfast commitment to advocating for and supporting those in need, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights upheld.

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