Free tool
Care funding checker
A quick guide to whether the council may help pay for care at home in England, and whether Attendance Allowance may apply.
- England only
- Takes 2 minutes
- Nothing saved or sent
For England only. Your answers stay on this device and are not saved or sent anywhere.
Choose an answer above to see what it may mean.
Attendance Allowance (optional)
A benefit that helps with the extra costs of needing care. Answer two questions to see if it may apply.
Answer the questions above to see if Attendance Allowance may apply.
This is a guide, not financial advice. The council’s own assessment of needs and finances decides what help is available.
How this works
In England, councils use savings limits to decide who pays for care. The upper limit is £23,250 and the lower limit is £14,250. Between the two limits, you are treated as having £1 a week of income for every £250 of savings.
If you need care to stay living at home, the council’s financial assessment does not include the value of the home you live in.
Attendance Allowance is a separate benefit for people of State Pension age or over who need help or supervision. It is not means tested. The council’s own assessment decides what help is available.
Sources
- GOV.UK, Social care charging for care and support 2026 to 2027
- Age UK, Financial assessment for care
- GOV.UK, Attendance Allowance rates (checked 30 September 2026)
A guide, not financial advice. Nothing you enter is saved or sent anywhere.
Questions families ask
Is my home counted if care is at home?
No. If care is needed so someone can stay living at home, the council’s financial assessment does not include the value of the home they live in.
What if savings are over £23,250?
You will usually pay the full cost of care yourself. You can still ask the council for a needs assessment, and they can help you plan care.
Does Attendance Allowance depend on savings?
No. It is not means tested, so savings and income do not affect it. It is claimed from the Department for Work and Pensions.
How do I get a council assessment?
Contact the adult social care team at your local council and ask for a needs assessment. If they can help, they will also do a financial assessment.
Find care at home near you
Answer a few simple questions and we’ll match you with a CQC-registered agency that covers your area.
