Local Authority Care Funding
Help with the cost of care at home
Some people may be eligible for financial support from their local council towards the cost of care and support at home.
In England, the process usually starts with a care needs assessment carried out by the local authority. This looks at the person’s care and support needs, how those needs affect everyday life and what outcomes they want to achieve. The assessment is based on need, not on the person’s finances.
If eligible needs are identified, the council may then carry out a financial assessment, sometimes called a means test, to decide whether the person should contribute towards the cost of their support and how much the council may contribute.
How much can the council contribute?
For 2026/27 in England, the upper capital limit remains £23,250 and the lower capital limit £14,250. These figures are used as part of the financial assessment process.
The amount of support available will depend on the individual’s assessed needs and financial circumstances.
Personal budgets and direct payments
Where a local authority agrees to contribute towards eligible care needs, the person may receive a personal budget.
In some circumstances, this can be provided as a direct payment, giving the individual more choice over how the agreed budget is used, provided it meets the care and support plan agreed with the council.
Families considering live-in care should confirm directly with the local authority whether their proposed arrangement can be supported using the personal budget or direct payment available to them.
Can local authority funding support live-in care?
Potentially, depending on the individual assessment, the care and support plan and the funding arrangement agreed by the local authority.
Grace & Goodwill can provide general information about live-in care options and signpost families towards relevant funding routes, but we do not carry out care needs assessments, financial assessments or make local authority funding decisions.
What if the council does not cover the full cost?
Some people may be expected to contribute towards their care, while others may need to pay the full cost themselves.
The council should explain what it has agreed to fund, any contribution required from the individual and how the personal budget will be managed.
Once the funding position is clear, Grace & Goodwill can explain the relevant live-in care pricing and available options.
Speak to our team today
Once your funding position is clear, contact Grace & Goodwill to explore independent live-in carers who match your needs.