Help with care home costs

Find out what to do next if you’ve been assessed to pay the full cost of your care home. 

Appeal the decision 

After your financial assessment, we will write to you with our decision. 

If you don’t qualify for help to pay for your care, we will explain why. We will also give you information about what else can be done to meet your needs.

If you disagree with the result of your financial assessment, you can ask us to reconsider our decision. 

Find out how to appeal a decision about your financial assessment.

If your savings run out

If you’re paying for care from your savings or renting or selling your home, you may qualify for financial help when your capital drops below £23,250. You can ask us to reassess you to find out what you’re eligible for. Try to let us know roughly 3 months before your capital gets below £23,250.

When you might need to move care home

When we assess your needs we will help you find a suitable care home that fits your needs and budget. This may mean moving to a different care home if your current one is now too expensive. You can look into ways to pay the difference, like getting help from family or friends using top-up payments. Find out more about top-up payments

Find out about care costs

The cost of care services and care homes can vary depending on the provider and your care needs. 

The NHS has information about care and nursing home costs.

Get help to choose a care provider 

If you need help to find a care provider or suitable care home, you can speak to Care Home Selection (CHS) for free advice, guidance and support.

You can also search for care providers on Connected Kingston. 

Homeowners

If you need to live in a care home permanently, you may need to sell your home to pay the cost, unless your partner carries on living there. If you do not want to sell your home, there might be other ways to pay for your care home costs.

Renting out your home

If you’re moving into a care home, you may want to rent out your home and use the money to help pay for your care home fees.

Releasing money from your home

If you are over the age of 55, you might be able to take some money from the value of your home. 

You can read more about equity release from MoneyHelper.

Homeowner loans to pay for care homes

If you own your home, you can get a loan from the council to pay for your care home costs. 

Find out about deferred payment agreements.

Find out about NHS care

If you have long-term complex health needs, the NHS may fund your care home,

Find out about NHS continuing healthcare.

If you need nursing care in a care home, you may be able to get help to pay for it.  

Find out about NHS nursing care. 

Check what benefits you can get

Attendance allowance 

If you’re over State Pension age and have a long-term physical or mental health condition, you may be able to claim Attendance Allowance. 

When you apply, it doesn’t look at your income or savings.

Find out more about Attendance Allowance

Check what you’re entitled to

After you’ve moved into a care home, you may still be able to get some benefits.

Find out more about care homes and benefits at Turn2Us.org.uk

Get financial advice from an expert

We are not allowed to give you any advice about your money and paying for care. We strongly recommend seeking independent financial advice from an expert. 

You can speak to the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) by calling 0333 2020 454. They may charge a fee for their services.