Are you a self-funded care seeker or are you eligible for NHS funding? This page includes regularly updated information about care funding in the UK for 2024/25. Prefer to talk to a human? You’re welcome to call our elder care experts on 01892 335 330 for free funding advice.
A self-funder is an elderly person who pays the full cost of their care and support.
As a self-funder, you have a greater choice of care options and any residential care contracts will usually be between you and the care provider directly, whether that be for nursing or residential care, home care, or live-in care.
Depending on your budget, health and needs, you may also consider renting or buying a retirement living home.
Remember, if you don’t like the care or product you’ve bought, you can change it because you are the customer.
In the UK, if your assets are below the means test limit then you may be entitled to some state funding for your care.
However, if your assets, including any properties you own, are above the means test then you will have to meet the cost of your care yourself, which means you are a 'self-funder'.
The means test figures are different throughout the UK and the ROI:
If you have income and capital over £23,250 you will need to pay for all of your care. If you have between £14,250 and £23,250 you will have to pay some towards your care.
From October 2025 this threshold will rise to £100,000 in savings.
If you have income and capital over £32,750 you have to pay your accommodation costs as in Scotland everyone gets free personal and nursing care (regardless of their income and assets) up to a certain limit, if your local authority has assessed you as needing it. If you have less than £20,250 you won’t have to pay anything.
There is just one threshold of £50,000 so if you have income and assets above this amount you will have to pay all your residential care costs.
How much you pay towards your care is calculated differently in the ROI than in the UK.
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme, also known as the Fair Deal Scheme, covers approved private nursing homes, voluntary nursing homes and public nursing homes in the Republic of Ireland.
After assessing your income and assets, a financial assessment team calculates how much you pay towards your care.
You pay:
and
However, the first €36,000 of your assets, or €72,000 for a couple, are not counted in the financial assessment.
It can be daunting when the cost of care is your responsibility and while you may not be entitled to NHS Continuing Healthcare, there are benefits such as Attendance Allowance and PIP as well as funding options such as NHS Funded Nursing Care that could reduce the amount you pay for your future care.
To be eligible for Attendance Allowance, individuals must meet certain criteria.
Age: Applicants must be aged 65 or over at the time of application.
Disability: They need to have a physical or mental disability that significantly impacts their ability to carry out daily living activities or mobility. These disabilities can include conditions such as dementia, arthritis, or visual impairments.
From April 2024, Attendance Allowance will be worth the following:
Lower rate: The lower rate will increase from £68.10 to £72.65 a week.
Higher rate: The higher rate will increase from £101.75 to £108.55 a week.
The Autumna Attendance Allowance guide can be accessed here for more information and examples of Attendance Allowance payments.
The UK awards PIP to eligible applicants who are aged above 16, yet below the state pension age.
A disability or a long-term physical or mental health condition are reasons why someone may receive PIP payments.
Individuals who struggle with daily tasks or mobility due to their condition receive financial assistance for home modifications and support services. This financial aid helps them cover the expenses associated with adapting their living environment and accessing the necessary help.
Both of these need to apply to be eligible.
Daily Living: The weekly standard rate will increase from £68.10 to £72.65, while the enhanced rate will increase from £101.75 to £108.55
Mobility: The weekly standard rate will increase from £26.90 to £28.70, while the enhanced rate will increase from £71.00 to £75.75
The Autumna PIP guide can be accessed here for more information and examples of Personal Independence Payments.
In the UK, nursing care is paid for by the NHS and this is still the case if you go into a Nursing Home. The matron/manager of the nursing home will usually assess whether nursing care is required and, if it is, they will make an application to the NHS for FNC to be paid.
The amount is paid directly to the nursing home rather than to you and it should then be deducted from the overall gross fees.
The NHS FNC rate you’re eligible for varies depending on which of the four home nations you live in.
In England, NHS FNC rates will increase on April 1st, 2024, however, the other nations are yet to release their 2024/25 rates.
From 1 April 2024, the rates for NHS-funded nursing care in England are:
Standard rate: £235.88 per week
Higher rate: £324.50 per week
Scotland: £104.90 per week for nursing care and/or £233.10 for personal care.
Wales: £201.74 per week
Northern Ireland: £100 per week
Please note that FNC is rarely paid if you are in a residential home.
The Autumna NHS FNC guide can be accessed here for more information and an example of an NHS FNC payment.
For impartial advice about planning or paying for your care, or the care of someone you love, speak to our elder-care experts on 01892 335 330, 7 days a week.
They can listen to what you need and help you find a solution.
You can also access independent and regulated financial advice from our trusted partner, SOLLA.
The funding for palliative care at home can come from a variety of sources, including the NHS, social services, or charities.
If you are eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare, then the cost of your palliative care at home may be fully covered by the NHS. Otherwise, you may be able to receive funding from your local authority, depending on your financial circumstances and care needs.
Additionally, various charities and organizations offer support and funding for palliative care at home, such as Marie Curie and Macmillan Cancer Support.
It's important to speak with a care professional to determine what funding options are available to you.
Paying for your care or later-life living accommodation can be costly but if you own a property or can buy a retirement living property through a mortgage, you may have a wider choice of options.
Lots of people sell their property whereas others hope to avoid selling their home to pay for their care. It's a personal choice that shouldn't be take lightly, which is why we have a guide on six way to pay for your care fees.
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