Paying for care and support

Learn about paying for care and support, including who may not have to pay, how care charges are worked out and where to get help and guidance.

Who does not have to pay

Most people pay something for their care and support.

You do not have to pay if:

you are receiving care under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1988
you have Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare brain condition
the NHS funds all your care needs

How your care charges are worked out

If you are eligible for care following a care and support assessment, we will carry out a financial assessment. This helps us work out how much you need to pay for your care, and whether the council will help with the cost.

The assessment looks at:

money from pensions, benefits or other sources
savings and investments
property you own (your main home usually does not count if you live there)
essential household bills and extra costs related to a disability

In general, the more income or assets you have, the higher your care charges may be.

You can:

fill in the assessment form yourself
get help from a friend or family member
ask us to complete it with you

You will need to provide evidence of your income, savings and property.

If you choose not to give us your financial information, you will need to pay the full cost of your care.

This 2-minute video explains financial assessments for care (Looking Local) [YouTube]

Your care charges

After the assessment, we will confirm how much you need to pay towards your care.

If your savings or investments are over £23,250, you usually pay the full cost of your care. This is known as being a self‑funder.
If your savings or investments are below £23,250, you may still have care charges, depending on your income.

You can ask us to explain how your care charges were worked out. The assessment may also show that you are entitled to extra benefits.

Tell us if your income, savings, property, benefits or housing situation changes, as this may affect your care charges.

Before the assessment, you can get an idea of what you might need to pay using our Care Charges Calculator.

Self-funders: paying your own care costs

Some people pay the full cost themselves. They are called self-funders.

You are classed as a self-funder if:

your needs have been assessed but you are not eligible for council support
you are eligible but have savings or assets above £23,250
you choose not to have a financial assessment

For practical advice on finances and benefits, read A self-funder's guide to care and support.

It also explains how to stay independent, arrange care and what to do if your circumstances change.

Independent financial advice and support

Paying for care can be complex. Independent financial advice can help you understand your care charges and plan ahead.

Read more about getting independent financial advice.

More guidance on paying for care

Read our detailed guidance if you want more information about how care charges are worked out.

Paying for support factsheet - how home support charges are worked out and who may qualify
Deprivation of assets factsheet - how giving away money or property may affect care charges
Nottinghamshire Adults Charging Policy – the council’s full policy on how care charges are worked out