Funding & paying for care
Understanding how care can be funded
Paying for care can feel confusing. This guide explains, in plain English, the main routes to funding care and support in England — so you know what questions to ask next.
Please note
Eligibility depends on individual circumstances and decisions made by the relevant local authority or NHS body. This is general information, not financial or legal advice. For a decision about your own situation, please contact your local council or the NHS.
Last reviewed: 8 October 2026
Topics in this guide
Self-funding your care
Arranging and paying for your own care privately, without local authority funding.
Read moreLocal authority needs assessments
How a council needs assessment works, and who can ask for one.
Read moreFinancial assessments (means-testing)
How councils work out what you may need to contribute towards your care.
Read morePersonal budgets
An amount identified by the council to meet your eligible care needs, and the ways you can use it.
Read moreDirect payments
Receiving your personal budget as a payment so you can arrange your own care and support.
Read moreNHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
Care that may be arranged and funded fully by the NHS for people with significant ongoing health needs.
Read moreNHS-funded nursing care
NHS funding that can contribute towards the cost of nursing care, separate from full CHC funding.
Read moreBenefits that can help with care costs
Signposting to benefits that may be worth checking, such as Attendance Allowance.
Read moreFunding for supported living
How care costs and housing costs are usually funded separately in supported living.
Read moreIf funding isn't agreed yet
What your options are if you need care to start before funding has been confirmed.
Read moreQuestions to ask about funding
Helpful questions to ask your council, the NHS or a care provider about paying for care.
Read moreTalk to us about care
Call us on 01902 275780 or send a request — our office team will talk things through with you.