Paying for homecare

Care services at home aren’t usually free. How much 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 the financial support available.

How do I access homecare?

If you’re having trouble with everyday tasks such as washing, cooking and getting dressed, ask your local council for a care needs assessment. This helps to work out what would help you stay independent at home for longer. Your carer, GP, or district nurse can make a referral for an assessment on your behalf with your permission.

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 the planning of your future care and support with you.

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 you have eligible needs 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.

Certain types of income, such as money from certain disability benefits and pensions, may not be counted in the means test. This is the same for 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.

Find out more about paying for care using direct payments

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