Paying for a care home

Paying for a care home

Council-funded

Your council may pay some or all of the fees after a care needs assessment and a financial assessment (means test). Not every home accepts the council’s rate, and some ask for a top-up paid by a relative.

Self-funded

In England you usually pay for your own care if you have savings and assets worth more than £23,250. Below that, the council may help.

NHS continuing healthcare

If your main need is a health need, the NHS can pay for the full cost of your care. It depends on an assessment, not on your savings.

NHS-funded nursing care

In a nursing home, the NHS pays a contribution towards care given by a registered nurse, whoever is paying the rest.

The CQC register does not record which types of funding each provider accepts, so always ask the provider – and get the answer in writing before you commit.

Paying for a care home

£23,250 is the line

In England you usually pay for your own care if your savings are above £23,250. If they fall below that, your council might be able to help.

A needs assessment is free

It works out what care you need, and anyone can ask their council for one.

Your home may count

You may have to sell your home to pay for a care home, unless your partner carries on living in it. With a deferred payment agreement the council pays and you repay later, when the home is sold.

NHS continuing healthcare is free and not means-tested

Some people with long-term complex health needs qualify for care arranged and funded solely by the NHS, in their own home or in a care home. It starts with a checklist, then a full assessment.

Paying for a nursing home

NHS-funded nursing care – £267.68 a week

If you are assessed as needing care from a registered nurse, the NHS pays this towards your nursing care, direct to the home (standard rate from 1 April 2026).