Help with care costs while living at home

If you have savings, investments, and capital over £23,250, the Upper Capital Limit, or you refuse to complete a financial assessment you will not be eligible for financial support from the council towards care costs. You can find more advice on the self-funding advice page.

If you have savings below £23,250, we will carry out a financial assessment to work out the most you can afford to pay towards your Personal Budget for your care and support.

The financial assessment looks at:

• savings, investments and capital. We do not include the value of your home while you or your partner still live there
• weekly income from pensions and benefits (including disability benefits). We do not include earnings from paid work or the mobility part of disability benefits
• allowances for basic living costs
• allowances for housing costs and disability-related expenses if these apply to you
• if you live with your partner you only need to give details about your financial situation, including half of any joint income or joint capital, you or your partner have. If your partner is on a low income, you can ask us to carry out an affordability check, to ensure your joint financial resources are above the Department for Work and Pensions minimum benefit levels

We will calculate and tell you your Assessed Maximum Weekly Contribution. This is the most we could ask you to pay towards the care and support you need.

See our printable help with care costs while living at home (full guide) and disability-related expenses (financial assessments).

You may be entitled to additional benefits.

Attendance Allowance can be claimed if you are over state pension age and have a long-term illness or disability severe enough for you to need help from someone else to help you care for yourself, or to supervise you to keep you safe day or night.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can be claimed if you are under state pension age and need help from another person to care for yourself due to a long-term illness or disability, or/and you have difficulty walking or getting around, because of a long-term illness or disability.

Pension Credit can be claimed if you are over state pension age and on a low income.

If you qualify for the above you may be entitled to other assistance such as Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.