Funding Care

Arranging care for your loved one can be stressful enough, without having to worry about how the care will be funded. Fortunately, there are some avenues worth exploring, no matter what your financial situation.

 

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is a seriously under-publicised benefit available to many care recipients. It’s a weekly payment that you may qualify for, without being means-tested, if you

• have reached State Pension age,
• need care or supervision because you have an illness or disability, and
• have needed care or supervision for at least 6 months because of your illness or disability.

Although Attendance Allowance itself is a fairly modest benefit, it is a gateway benefit in that once you get it, it can increase the amounts paid by some other benefits.

Find out more about Attendance Allowance here.

 

Personal Independence Payments (PIPs)

While Attendance Allowance is for people of state pension age and above, PIPs are for those below state pension age who require support with daily living. In order to qualify, you

• must have had difficulties for at least 3 months, and
• expect these difficulties to continue for at least another 9 months.

Find out more about PIPs here.

 

Direct Payments

Direct payments are funds given to you by the local council to pay for care. You can apply for these funds if you’re already receiving some sort of help from your council’s Social Services.

Direct Payments let you choose and buy support services yourself, instead of relying on your council to make these decisions. They are means tested and dependent on a care needs assessment. In England you’re unlikely to be eligible if you have combined assets of more than £23,250 , not including the value of your home.

Find out more about Direct Payments here.

 

NHS Continuing Healthcare

If you have long term complex health needs, you may be eligible for free social care arranged and funded by the NHS. This support is not means-tested. To be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, you must be assessed by a team of healthcare professionals (a multidisciplinary team).

Find out more about NHS Continuing Healthcare here.

 

Equity Release

If you own your own home, you may be able to release some of its value to pay for care. You can keep living in your home and receive an upfront payment. Equity release is a complex subject, so one should definitely seek financial advice before buying such a product.

Find out more about equity release here.

 

Further guidance

You may also like to check out the more detailed guide “Paying for care and support at home” put together by Age UK here.

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Disclaimer: The above is not an exhaustive list of financial options, nor is it intended as a substitute for professional advice. Also keep in mind that benefits, their eligibility criteria, and their amounts are subject to change.

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