Local Authority Funding
Local Authorities provide places in residential homes, and they also provide a range of services for people wishing to remain in their own homes.
What can be funded?
Funding can be for carers, meals, transport, modifications to homes to make them safe and useable, and living equipment.
Local Authority help is means tested. You must have savings and assets of no more than £23,250 (in England) to be eligible.
However, your Local Authority is obliged to provide a Care Needs Assessment which will identify your care needs and any assistance you qualify for. If your Care Needs Assessment determines you are in need of care, the Local Authority will perform a Financial Assessment (or Means Test) to determine how much, if any, of the costs they will bear. As a result of the assessment they will pay some, all or none of the costs of care.
If you wish to challenge your Local Authority’s refusal to meet your care costs, see here.
How do I get it?
Contact your Local Authority Social Services Department and arrange for a Care Needs Assessment.
See also Money Helper for more information.