One of the first questions families ask about home care is “how will we pay for it?” The system can seem complicated, but the main options are fairly simple once they are set out. This guide covers how paying for home care works for people living in Essex, including Saffron Walden and the rest of Uttlesford.
It is general information, not financial advice. For advice about your own situation, speak to the council, a benefits adviser or an independent financial adviser who specialises in care.
Step 1: a needs assessment
Anyone who seems to need care and support can ask Essex County Council for a free needs assessment, whatever their income or savings. The council looks at what the person can and cannot do, and whether they meet the national eligibility criteria for support.
Step 2: a financial assessment
If the person has eligible needs, the council will carry out a financial assessment (a means test) to work out how much they should contribute. In England, the current thresholds are:
- Over £23,250 in savings and capital: you will usually pay the full cost of your care yourself.
- Between £14,250 and £23,250: the council contributes, and you pay towards the cost from income and a tariff on your savings.
- Under £14,250: savings are not counted, though you may still contribute from income.
For care at home, the value of the person’s own home is not counted.
Option 1: council-arranged care
If the council is funding some or all of the care, it can arrange the care for you with an agency it works with.
Option 2: direct payments
Instead, you can ask for a direct payment: the council pays its contribution to you, and you use it to arrange care from the agency of your choice. This gives more control over who provides care and when.
Option 3: self-funding
Many people pay for home care themselves, either because their savings are over the threshold or because they want care sooner or in a particular way. Self-funders can choose any agency and arrange care directly. You can still ask the council for a needs assessment and advice.
Benefits that help with costs
- Attendance Allowance: for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care. It is not means-tested. Read our guide to Attendance Allowance rates and claiming.
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP): for people under State Pension age with a long-term condition or disability.
- Pension Credit: tops up a low income, and can unlock other help.
- Carer’s Allowance: for a family member providing at least 35 hours of care a week.
- Council Tax reductions: available in some circumstances, for example for people with dementia.
NHS Continuing Healthcare
If someone has a primary health need, for example very complex medical needs, they may be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which is free. Ask the GP or hospital team about a checklist assessment.
If you live outside Essex
Some villages we cover, such as Linton, Sawston and Duxford, are in Cambridgeshire, and Haverhill is in Suffolk. The same national rules apply, but you would contact Cambridgeshire County Council or Suffolk County Council.
Talk to us
Here to Care provides home care across Saffron Walden and the surrounding villages. Whatever your situation, we are happy to explain our charges clearly and talk through what support could look like. Call 01799 218190 or get in touch.
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