Paying for a care home

Find out how care home costs are worked out, how much you may need to pay, and how financial assessments and council support affect what you pay.

How care home costs are calculated

Care homes are placed into four cost bands, from band 2 (lower cost) to band 5 (higher cost).

The amount you pay depends on your income, savings and other assets. Your home may also be included in the assessment.

Find out more about care home costs in our factsheets:

If your income and assets, including property, are below £23,250, you may qualify for council support.

The council will carry out:

a care and support needs assessment to understand what care you need
a financial assessment to look at your income, savings and any benefits you can claim

If eligible, the council will provide you financial support up to a standard limit for your type of care.

The value of your home may affect how much you need to contribute towards care, depending on your situation.

The value of your home is not included if your care is temporary, or if someone still lives there who is:

If your care is permanent and your other capital (excluding your home) is less than £23,250, the council will apply the following rules:

The council pays for the first 12 weeks of permanent care, if care is required.
During these 12 weeks, you contribute from your income, savings and other assets, but not your home.
After 12 weeks, if your home is included in the assessment, you will need to pay the full cost of care.

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

You are classed as a self-funder if:

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

Practical advice for self-funders on assessments, choosing a suitable home, costs and help with paying for care can be found in the A self-funder's guide to care and support factsheet.

Self-funders may use their home to help pay for care home fees. Read more in the Universal Deferred Payments Scheme factsheet

Paying for care can be complex. We recommend you get independent financial advice before making decisions.

For questions about financial assessments or paying for a care home, contact the Customer Service team.

For general information about paying for care, including in your home, visit our Paying for care page