In England, care home fees are mostly paid by the people living in them. Council help is means-tested, and the limit is low enough that anyone who owns a home will usually pay the full cost, at least at first.
The means test
When someone needs to move into a care home, the council carries out a needs assessment and then a financial assessment. The financial assessment looks at two things:
- Capital: savings, investments, property and usually the home.
- Income: state and private pensions, and some benefits.
For 2026/27, if capital is over £23,250 you pay the full fees. Between £14,250 and £23,250 the council helps, but you contribute from income plus a "tariff income" of £1 a week for every £250 above £14,250. Below £14,250, only income counts. You always keep a personal expenses allowance of £31.80 a week. The means test explained.
What about the home?
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's usually counted, which for most homeowners means paying full fees. Will I have to sell my house?
Help that isn't means-tested
- NHS continuing healthcare pays the full cost for people whose needs are primarily health needs. It's hard to qualify. More on NHS funding.
- NHS-funded nursing care is a weekly contribution towards nursing in a nursing home.
- Attendance Allowance can be claimed by self-funders whatever their savings.
Why families plan ahead
At around £1,300 a week, three years in care costs over £200,000. Most families only discover the rules when care is needed, and by then some of the options that were open have gone.
What would care cost your family? Try the care fees calculator or speak to a specialist.
Frequently asked questions
Does the council pay for care homes?
Only if your capital is below £23,250, and even then your income goes towards the fees. Above that, you pay the full cost yourself.
Do children have to pay for their parents' care home fees?
No. Children are not legally responsible for their parents' care fees. A family member may choose to pay a top-up for a more expensive home, but it's voluntary.
Does the NHS pay for care homes?
Only in limited cases. NHS continuing healthcare pays the full cost for people whose needs are mainly health needs, and NHS-funded nursing care pays a contribution towards nursing in a nursing home.
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.