Paying for homecare
Care services at home aren’t usually free. How much you need to pay for homecare depends on a number of factors, including your income and savings. Find out how to arrange homecare, how much you may have to pay, and what financial support is available.
How do I access homecare?
If you’re having trouble with everyday tasks such as washing, cooking or getting dressed, ask your local council for a care needs assessment. This works out what would help you stay independent at home for longer. With your permission, your carer, GP, or district nurse can refer you for an assessment on your behalf.
If you’re being discharged from hospital, the staff on your ward can arrange homecare services to make sure you’re safe and properly supported at home, or to help rehabilitate you. A social worker should lead on the planning of your future care and support.
Find out more about how to access home care after hospital discharge
Will the local council pay for my homecare?
If your local council carries out a care needs assessment and agrees that you're eligible for care and support at home, they will do a means test. This will take into account your income and savings. Unless you’re going into a care home, this won’t take into account the value of your property.
Here’s how the means test for social care will look at your income and savings, and how this will affect what you pay for care.
| Your capital | What you will have to pay |
| Over £23,250 |
You have to pay your own fees as a 'self-funder'. |
| Between £14,250 and £23,250 |
You qualify for financial support from the council and pay a contribution from your income – such as pensions – plus a 'tariff income' based on your capital. This 'tariff income' is worked out by assuming you have an extra £1 per week in income for every £250 (or part of) you have between £14,250 and £23,250 in capital. |
| Less than £14,250 |
The council provides financial support and you will still contribute from your income, but you won't have to pay a tariff income. |
Certain types of income, such as money from some disability benefits and pensions, may not be counted in the means test. This also applies to certain types of capital. All other income and capital can be taken into account.
If all your eligible income is taken into account in your means test, you must be left with an income of £189.00 per week, if you’re single and above Pension Credit qualifying age. This is known as the Minimum Income Guarantee.
If you’re eligible for financial support to pay for homecare, your local council can arrange homecare services for you. Alternatively, you can choose to receive direct payments and arrange homecare yourself.
How much does it cost to pay for my own homecare?
If you’re paying fees yourself (called self-funding), then you will arrange and pay for your own care, but your local council should provide advice to support you.
Costs for homecare vary across the country, but average around £15 per hour. You can use this cost of care and eligibility in England tool to get an estimate for care costs in your area.
To find a homecare agency:
- The UK Home Care Association can give you details of home care providers that follow its code of practice.
- Your local adult social services department should be able to provide you with details of approved private agencies.
- Ask friends or relatives for recommendations.
Can I get financial support to pay for my homecare?
Make sure you’re claiming all the benefits you’re entitled to.
- Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people over State Pension age who need extra help to stay independent at home, due to an illness or disability.
- If you’re under State Pension age, you may be eligible for Personal Independence Payment instead
- If you have a carer, they could be eligible for Carer’s Allowance.
These benefits aren’t means-tested, so don't take into account your income and savings.
Frequently asked questions
Can I employ my own carer?
If you want to employ a care worker directly, you must draw up a contract of employment so that you are both clear on what is expected. Be aware of financial considerations such as National Insurance contributions.
Find out more about directly employing a carer from the HMRC
New pension rules mean that if you employ your own carer using either your own money or money from your direct payment, you may now be legally obliged to contribute towards a pension for them.
You may need to take this into account if you decide to hire a carer or carers directly and you pay them more than £768 every four weeks (£10,000 per year). If you use a payroll service they may help you with these new duties.
Take a look at The Pensions Regulator’s Duties checker for more help
What if I’m running out of money?
If you’re paying fees yourself (called self-funding) and your capital reaches less than £23,250, the local council may assist with funding. You should request an assessment a few months before that happens as they will have to agree you need a care home.
They should arrange one as soon as possible so you don’t have to use up your capital below that amount.
What if I give away some of my money?
You may think about giving away some of your savings, income or property to avoid paying likely care costs, and to give something to your relatives or charity, for example.
If the council thinks that you have done this to avoid paying care fees they may still assess you as if you still had the money or property that you have given away. This is referred to as deprivation of assets.
For more information
We're here to help
We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 140 local Age UKs.