The means test decides how much you pay towards a care home and how much the council pays. The limits haven't changed in years, while care fees have risen sharply, so more families end up paying in full.
The 2026/27 limits in England
- Upper capital limit: £23,250. Above it, you pay the full fees.
- Lower capital limit: £14,250. Below it, only your income is taken into account.
- Tariff income: between the two, £1 a week for every £250 above £14,250.
- Personal expenses allowance: £31.80 a week that you keep.
What counts as capital
Savings, investments, shares, second properties and, in many cases, the home. Some things are ignored, and how assets are held can matter. The council can also count assets that it believes were given away to avoid fees.
What counts as income
State pension, private and workplace pensions, annuities and most benefits. If the council helps with fees, most of your income goes towards them, leaving you the personal expenses allowance.
Couples
Each person is assessed on their own share. Joint savings are usually treated as split equally. Pension arrangements can sometimes allow part of a pension to be passed to the spouse still at home. The rules for couples are where planning can make the biggest difference.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
The limits are different outside England. Wales, for example, uses a single £50,000 limit. Our calculators use the rules for England.
Where would you fall? Use the care fees calculator, or ask a specialist to check your situation.
Frequently asked questions
What is tariff income?
If your capital is between £14,250 and £23,250, the council assumes it produces £1 a week for every £250 above £14,250, and adds that to what you pay.
What is ignored in the care means test?
Some things are disregarded, including personal possessions and, in some cases, the home. Certain investments and insurance policies can be treated differently, so it's worth checking.
What's the personal expenses allowance for 2026/27?
£31.80 a week in England. It's what you keep from your income for personal spending when the council is helping with 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.