Free guide · England

Paying for care

Separate care needs from funding decisions and find the questions to ask before agreeing to costs.

Sources checked 2 October 2026 · General information, with links to advice for your circumstances.

Read at your own pace

A calculator and paperwork ready for financial planning.

Part 1 of 5

Two different assessments

A care needs assessment looks at support needs. A financial assessment looks at what someone may have to contribute towards council-arranged care. It considers finances under the relevant rules. Do not assume an NHS referral makes all social care free. Ask for a written explanation of the proposed charge, how it was calculated and what happens if circumstances change.

Your next step: Keep assessment decisions and financial calculations together.

A calculator, notebook and laptop on a desk.

Part 2 of 5

Prepare without making rushed decisions

Ask the council which financial records it needs, such as details of income, savings, benefits and property. How a home is treated depends on the circumstances and type of care. Get the council to explain the rules for your situation before assuming a property must be sold. If savings are reducing, contact the council early rather than waiting until the money has run out.

Your next step: Ask: “Which assets are included, which are disregarded, and why?”

A care worker helping an older man with paperwork.

Part 3 of 5

Ask whether NHS funding needs considering

NHS continuing healthcare is a package for adults whose assessed needs meet the criteria; eligibility does not follow automatically from a diagnosis. Ask the relevant health professional whether an assessment is appropriate. If eligible, the package is arranged and funded by the NHS and can be provided at home or in a care home. NHS-funded nursing care is a different contribution towards nursing care in a nursing home, rather than payment of every care-home cost.

Your next step: Ask who can explain continuing healthcare and record the response.

Understand the full commitment

Before signing, request the full price, what is included, extra charges, increases, notice periods and what happens during hospital stays. Ask about any proposed top-up and who would be legally responsible for paying it. A deferred payment agreement may help some eligible people delay paying part of care-home costs, but it is a debt to repay and may carry interest and fees. Obtain individual financial advice before committing to a product or property decision.

Your next step: Take the written agreement away and ask for unclear terms to be explained.

People reviewing information around a meeting table.

Part 5 of 5

Check advice before moving money

Giving away assets to reduce care charges can affect a financial assessment. Do not rely on a promise that transferring a house or buying a product will guarantee free care. MoneyHelper explains funding options and where to seek advice. Use an appropriately authorised financial adviser for regulated financial advice, and a solicitor for legal questions. Funding limits and benefits change: use the current official guidance linked here rather than an old figure quoted online.

Your next step: Arrange a benefits check and ask for advice specific to the person’s circumstances.

Your next-steps checklist

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Have we separated the care and financial assessments?
Have we received the charge calculation in writing?
Should NHS continuing healthcare be considered?
What costs are outside the quoted fee?
Who would be liable for any top-up?
What happens when savings or needs change?

My next step: ____________________________________

Who will help, and when: ____________________________

Sources and further help

Based on the published guidance below. Last checked 2 October 2026. Applies to England. These organisations have not endorsed or approved this Pheon Academy guide.

For a decision about your own care, finances or legal documents, use these services to find appropriate individual advice. Official pages carry current fees, eligibility details and contact information.

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