What Benefits Can Help Pay for Care at Home?

If you or a loved one needs care at home, one of the first questions many families ask is, "How are we going to pay for it?"

The good news is that you may be entitled to financial support. Depending on your age, health, income and personal circumstances, there are several benefits and funding options that can help reduce the cost of home care.

Many people don't realise what they're entitled to, and as a result, thousands of pounds in available support go unclaimed every year.

In this guide, we'll explain the main benefits that may help pay for care at home in England, who they're for, and how they work.

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is one of the most important benefits for older people receiving care.

It is available to people who:

• Are over State Pension age.

• Have a physical disability, illness or mental health condition (including dementia).

• Need help with personal care or supervision because of their condition.

Importantly, you do not need to have a carer already providing support to qualify. The benefit is based on the help you need, not the help you're currently receiving.

Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, so your income and savings do not affect your eligibility.

The money can be used however you choose, including paying towards:

• Personal care

• Home care visits

• Companionship services

• Domestic support

• Transport to appointments

• Other costs associated with your condition

Many families use Attendance Allowance to help fund regular care visits, making professional support more affordable.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

If you're under State Pension age, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) may help.

PIP is designed for people with long-term physical or mental health conditions that affect daily living or mobility.

Like Attendance Allowance, it isn't based on your income.

PIP has two components:

• Daily Living

• Mobility

Depending on your assessment, you may receive one or both components.

The payments can help cover the additional costs of living with a disability, including arranging care at home.

Adult Social Care Funding

Your local council may contribute towards the cost of your care through Adult Social Care funding.

To find out whether you're eligible, you'll usually go through two assessments:

Care Needs Assessment

A Care Needs Assessment looks at:

• Your health

• Your mobility

• Your ability to manage daily tasks

• Your personal circumstances

• The level of support you need

If the council decides you have eligible care needs, they'll then carry out a financial assessment.

Financial Assessment (Means Test)

The financial assessment considers things such as:

• Income

• Savings

• Investments

• Certain assets

Depending on the outcome, the council may:

• Pay all of your care costs

• Pay part of your care costs

• Ask you to pay the full amount yourself

Even if you're likely to pay for your own care, it's still worth requesting a Care Needs Assessment, as it provides professional guidance and ensures your needs are properly documented.

NHS Continuing Healthcare

Some people with complex, ongoing healthcare needs may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC).

Unlike local authority funding, NHS Continuing Healthcare is not means-tested.

If you're eligible, the NHS pays the full cost of your care, including care provided in your own home.

Eligibility depends on the nature and complexity of your health needs rather than a specific diagnosis.

People with conditions such as advanced neurological diseases, significant physical disabilities or complex medical needs may be assessed for NHS Continuing Healthcare.

NHS-funded Nursing Care

NHS-funded Nursing Care is different from Continuing Healthcare.

It helps pay for nursing care provided by a registered nurse in a nursing home.

It does not usually apply to standard domiciliary home care services but is worth knowing about if your care needs change in the future.

Carer's Allowance

If a family member provides regular care, they may be able to claim Carer's Allowance.

To qualify, they generally need to:

• Provide at least 35 hours of care each week.

• Meet certain earnings and eligibility criteria.

• Care for someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit.

Carer's Allowance supports unpaid carers rather than paying directly for professional home care, but it can provide valuable financial help for families.

Pension Credit

Many older people who qualify for Pension Credit don't realise they're entitled to it.

Pension Credit can:

• Increase your weekly income.

• Open the door to other financial support.

• Help with housing costs, Council Tax and other benefits.

Receiving Pension Credit may also make it easier to access additional support that helps reduce the overall cost of living.

Council Tax Reduction

If you're receiving certain disability benefits or have specific health conditions, you may qualify for:

• Council Tax Reduction

• Council Tax discounts

• Council Tax exemptions in some circumstances

These savings won't directly pay for care, but they can help free up money within your household budget.

Disabled Facilities Grant

If your home needs adapting so you can remain living independently, your local council may offer a Disabled Facilities Grant.

This could help pay for:

• Stairlifts

• Walk-in showers

• Ramps

• Widened doorways

• Accessible bathrooms

• Other essential adaptations

Making your home safer can often allow you to remain independent for longer while receiving care at home.

Can You Receive More Than One Benefit?

Yes.

Many people receive several forms of support at the same time.

For example, someone might receive:

• Attendance Allowance

• Pension Credit

• Council Tax Reduction

• Local authority-funded home care

Everyone's circumstances are different, so it's worth checking all the support that may be available rather than assuming you won't qualify.

How Sylvian Care Can Help

Understanding care funding can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already supporting a loved one through illness, disability or later life.

At Sylvian Care, we can explain how home care works, help you understand the different funding routes available, and support you as you explore the options that best suit your circumstances.

Whether you're arranging a few hours of companionship each week or more comprehensive daily support, we're here to help you make informed decisions with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Attendance Allowance means-tested?

No. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, so your income and savings do not affect your eligibility.

Can I receive Attendance Allowance and pay for private home care?

Yes. Many people use Attendance Allowance to help pay for privately arranged home care services.

Can my local council help pay for care at home?

Yes. If you have eligible care needs and meet the financial criteria, your local authority may contribute towards the cost of your care.

What's the difference between Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payment?

Attendance Allowance is generally for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care because of illness or disability. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is usually for people below State Pension age with long-term health conditions or disabilities affecting daily living or mobility.

Does the NHS ever pay for care at home?

Yes. If you have significant ongoing healthcare needs and qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, the NHS may pay the full cost of your care at home.

Can I claim Carer's Allowance if my loved one also receives professional care?

In many cases, yes. If you meet the eligibility criteria and continue providing at least 35 hours of care each week, you may still qualify for Carer's Allowance even if professional carers also provide support.

How do I know what funding I'm entitled to?

The best place to start is by requesting a Care Needs Assessment from your local authority and checking whether you're eligible for disability benefits such as Attendance Allowance or PIP. Seeking advice early can help ensure you don't miss out on financial support.

Need Advice About Home Care?

If you're considering care at home for yourself or a loved one, Sylvian Care is here to help. Our friendly local teams can talk you through your options, explain how home care works, and help you understand the support that may be available.

Get in touch with your local Sylvian Care team today to discuss your needs and discover how we can help you or your loved one continue living life your way.