UK Care Home
Funding Calculator
Confused about who pays for care? Our free calculator helps you understand whether you qualify for NHS funding, local authority support, or need to self-fund — in just a few minutes.
Care Home Funding Calculator
Answer 5 quick questions to find out what funding you may be entitled to. Takes less than 2 minutes.
No personal data is stored. Results are estimates only — always seek professional advice.
Understanding Care Home Funding in the UK
The UK care funding system can be bewildering. Here is a plain-English overview of the three main routes to funding.
NHS Continuing Healthcare
If your primary need is a health need, the NHS may fund all your care home costs — including accommodation. This is not means-tested, so your savings and property do not matter.
Learn moreLocal Authority Funding
If your capital is below £23,250 (England), your local council may contribute to your care costs. You pay a means-tested amount from your income and savings.
Learn moreSelf-Funding
If your capital exceeds £23,250, you pay the full cost yourself. When savings fall below the threshold, you may become eligible for council support.
Learn more2026/27 Capital Thresholds at a Glance
The amount of financial support you receive depends on where you live and how much capital you have. These thresholds apply to permanent residential care.
| Nation | Lower Threshold | Upper Threshold | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | £14,250 | £23,250 | Tariff income of £1/week per £250 between thresholds |
| Scotland | £21,500 | £35,000 | Free personal care (£248.70/wk) and nursing care (£111.90/wk) available |
| Wales | N/A | £50,000 | Single upper threshold only — most generous in the UK |
| Northern Ireland | £14,250 | £23,250 | Same rules as England |
Source: GOV.UK Social Care Charging Circular 2026/27. Thresholds correct as of April 2026.
Could the NHS pay for all your care?
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a package of ongoing care arranged and funded entirely by the NHS. Unlike local authority funding, it is not means-tested — your savings and property are irrelevant.
Eligibility is based solely on your health needs. If you have a "primary health need" — meaning your care needs are primarily driven by health rather than social care — you may qualify for full NHS funding.
Check NHS CHC Eligibility
Search for Care Homes Near You
Once you know your funding position, the next step is finding the right care home. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates all care homes in England and publishes inspection ratings for every registered home.
Opens the Care Quality Commission (CQC) directory in a new tab. CQC regulates and inspects all care homes in England.
CQC Ratings Explained
CQC rates care homes as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate. Always check the rating and read the latest inspection report before choosing a home.
Questions to Ask
Ask about staff-to-resident ratios, activities, visiting policies, how they handle medical needs, and what happens if your funding situation changes.
Deferred Payment Agreements
If you own a property, ask the care home whether they accept residents on a Deferred Payment Agreement. Not all homes do, so it is important to check early.
Common Questions
Quick answers to the questions families ask most often.
What happens when my savings run out?
When your capital falls below £23,250 (England), you must notify your local authority. They will carry out a financial assessment and begin contributing to your care costs. You will never be left without care.
Does my home count towards the means test?
Your home may be included, but there are important exceptions. If your spouse, civil partner, or a dependent relative still lives there, the property is fully disregarded. The 12-week property disregard also applies when you first enter permanent care.
What is NHS-funded nursing care (FNC)?
FNC is a weekly payment (£267.68/week in England from April 2026) made by the NHS directly to nursing homes for residents who need care from a registered nurse. It is not means-tested and applies on top of any other funding.
Can I still claim Attendance Allowance in a care home?
Yes, if you are a self-funder paying all your own care home costs. You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if the local authority is paying for your care. It stops after 28 days if you receive NHS Continuing Healthcare.