Paying for care
Who pays for home care?
Home care can be paid for by the council, by the NHS, by you, or by a mixture. Which applies depends on your needs and your money.
6 minute readUpdated 10 November 2026
Key points
- The council does not pay for everyone. It first assesses your needs, then your finances.
- If you are over the savings limit, you will usually pay for your own care, but you are still entitled to a needs assessment.
- You can ask for a direct payment, which lets you arrange your own care with the council’s money.
- Attendance Allowance is paid on top, whatever your savings, if you are over State Pension age and need help.
- Agencies set their own hourly rates. Ask for the cost of the shortest visit, and what extra you pay for evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
When does the council pay for home care?
The council pays towards home care if an assessment shows you have care needs that meet the national eligibility rules, and a financial assessment shows you cannot afford to pay the full cost.
You may still be asked to contribute from your income. The council tells you how much in writing.
What if I have too much in savings?
If your savings are above the upper capital limit (£23,250 in England in 2025/26), you will usually pay the full cost of your care. This is called self-funding.
You can still ask the council for a needs assessment. It must give you advice and information about care and support in your area, even if it will not pay.
When does the NHS pay?
The NHS pays for care at home if you have a ‘primary health need’ and qualify for NHS continuing healthcare. This is rare, and it is decided by a team using a national checklist. The NHS also pays for short-term help after some hospital stays and for district nurses, which is separate from home care.
Our answer on NHS continuing healthcare explains how a decision is made.
What is a direct payment?
If the council funds your care, you can ask for the money as a direct payment. You then choose and manage your own care, for example by employing a personal assistant or choosing an agency.
A direct payment gives you more control, but it also brings responsibilities. The council can explain what is involved and who can help.
How much does home care cost?
Agencies set their own prices, usually per hour, and the price often changes with the time of day. Live-in care is charged differently, often per week.
Ask each agency for a written price list. Check the shortest visit they will do, how they charge for travel, and how much notice they need to cancel.
- What is the hourly rate, and is there a minimum visit length?
- Do rates change in the evening, at weekends or on bank holidays?
- How much notice do you need to change or cancel visits?
- Will I usually see the same carers?
What other money might I be entitled to?
Attendance Allowance is for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision. It is not means-tested, so your savings do not count. Pension Credit is a top-up for people on a low income and can unlock other help.
A benefits check is worthwhile because many people do not claim what they are entitled to.
What to do next
Find local help
Related questions
Where this comes from
- NHS: Social care and support guide (opens in a new tab)
- GOV.UK: Care and support statutory guidance (Care Act 2014) (opens in a new tab)
- GOV.UK: Attendance Allowance (opens in a new tab)
- GOV.UK: Pension Credit (opens in a new tab)
- Cheshire East Council: Live Well (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. Money figures are for England in 2025/26 and change, so check the linked source for the current amount. Rules for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland differ. Fingerpost does not recommend any provider on this page. Updated 10 November 2026.