Funding Home Care: What You Need to Know

Getting the right care for yourself or a loved one is essential — and understanding how to fund it can ease the process. Here’s a simple guide to help you explore your options.

Local Authority (Council) Funding

If you need care, your local council may be able to help with the costs, depending on your needs and financial situation.

How it works:

• Step 1: Request a care needs assessment from your local authority.

• Step 2: If you’re eligible, the council will carry out a financial assessment

(means test).

• Based on the outcome, they may pay part or all of your care costs.

Who qualifies?

• People with limited savings (usually less than £23,250 in England).

• People whose care needs meet the national eligibility criteria.

Apply via your local council’s adult social care team.

Self Funding

If you don’t qualify for council funding (e.g. your savings are above £23,250), you’ll be expected to pay for your care privately.

But you still have options:

• Directly hire a home care provider like Lucent Home Care.

• Set up a Direct Debit for ongoing services.

• Access advice on budgeting, care packages, and cost control.

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

This is fully funded care arranged and paid for by the NHS — for people with long-term complex health needs.

You may qualify if:

• Your health needs are primarily medical (not just personal care).

• You’ve had a Continuing Healthcare Assessment by an NHS team.

If eligible, CHC can cover your full care package at home.

Direct Payments

If your local authority agrees to fund your care, you can ask for Direct Payments to manage your own care budget.

Benefits of direct payments:

• More control over your care provider (e.g., choose Lucent Home Care)

• Flexibility with how and when care is provided

Quick Tips

• Always ask for a care needs assessment — it’s your legal right.

• Even if you’re not eligible for full funding, partial help may be available.

• Some people combine funding (e.g. part self-funded, part from

benefits).

• Consider speaking to a care funding advisor or independent financial

adviser (IFA).

Need Help Understanding Your Options?

We’re here to support you. Contact Lucent Home Care

Our team can guide you through the funding process and help you access the support you’re entitled to.