How care home fees are paid in England
Council help with care home fees is means-tested. The council looks at capital, which is savings, investments and usually the home, and at income such as pensions.
- Over £23,250: you pay the full fee yourself.
- £14,250 to £23,250: the council helps, but you pay from your income plus £1 a week for every £250 above £14,250.
- Under £14,250: you pay from your income only, keeping £31.80 a week.
The home is ignored for the first 12 weeks of permanent care, and for as long as a spouse or partner, or a qualifying relative, still lives there. Otherwise it normally counts, and it's often the biggest asset by far.
Is there anything families can do? Often, yes. How the home is owned, what the wills say and whether powers of attorney are in place can all make a real difference, but timing matters and it has to be done properly. Request a call back.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays for care home fees in England?
If your capital, including your home unless it's ignored, is over £23,250, you pay the full cost yourself. Between £14,250 and £23,250 the council helps, but you pay from your income plus £1 a week for every £250 of capital above £14,250. Below £14,250 you pay from income only.
Is the house counted for care home fees?
Usually, after the first 12 weeks of permanent care, unless a spouse or partner, or a relative aged 60 or over or disabled, still lives there.
How much does a care home cost in 2026?
Around £1,300 a week on average in England for residential care for self-funders, and more for nursing or dementia care. Costs vary a lot by area.
How much do I keep if the council pays?
In England you keep a personal expenses allowance of £31.80 a week in 2026/27. The rest of your income normally goes towards the fees.
Talk to a specialist
Tell us a little about your situation and a specialist will call you back, usually within one working day. No obligation, and we know these conversations can be difficult.