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Paying for care

Social care isn't free, so you will need to pay for some of your care. We can help you work out how much it might cost, how to pay and what to do if you're worried about the costs of your care.

The two most important things to be aware of:

  1. Social care is rarely free. More often than not you'll have to contribute to the cost of care. The amount you pay depends on the level of need and the amount of assets you have.
  2. You should get an assessment of needs from your local council immediately. This helps to decide the level of your need.

What financial support will I get from my local council?

After you've had the care needs assessment from your local council, they will do a financial means test.

For the means test, they will look at your income, savings and property to work out how much you need to contribute towards the cost of your care and support.

Paying for different types of care

Residential care

Care home fees will vary depending on the area, the individual care home itself, plus your own personal financial circumstances.

Care at home

There are a number of factors that can affect how much you pay for personal care and it can vary depending on the provider.

'Care isn't like the NHS so you don't get it for free'

Caroline Abrahams, Age UK Charity Director, talks about the cost of care at home.

Commonly asked questions

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We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 140 local Age UKs.

About the Age UK Advice Line Find your local Age UK

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