Local authority funding (often called council funding) is financial support provided by local government councils to help individuals pay for essential community services, most commonly adult social care and care home fees.

You can locate your specific local council’s portal using the GOV.UK Local Council Care Needs Assessment Finder to begin the application process.

How does the council determine if I qualify for funding?

Eligibility is determined through a two-step evaluation process managed by your local authority:

• Needs Assessment: A free statutory evaluation to determine your physical, medical, and emotional care requirements.
• Financial Assessment: A formal means test that evaluates your income, savings, investments, and property value to decide who pays for the care.

What are the savings and capital limits for council funding?

Your financial support tier depends entirely on your total capital assets. For residents in England and Northern Ireland, the thresholds are split into three categories according to the NHS Guide on When the Council Might Pay for Your Care:

• Below £14,250: You qualify for full council support. The local authority pays the maximum applicable funding contribution, though you will still contribute from your regular income.
• Between £14,250 and £23,250: You qualify for partial council support. You will share the costs with the council and pay a standard “tariff income” of £1 per week for every £250 of savings you hold within this bracket.
• Over £23,250: You are classified as a self-funder. You must meet the full costs of your care independently until your capital drops below the upper threshold.

⚠️ Important Regional Disclaimer: Social care is a devolved matter in the UK. If you live in Scotland or Wales, completely different framework rules and significantly higher asset thresholds apply:

• Scotland: Personal care and nursing care are free at the point of use for any adult assessed as needing it, regardless of income or savings. For accommodation and care home costs, the Care Information Scotland Framework sets the lower capital threshold at £22,750 and the upper threshold at £36,750.
• Wales: Under Welsh Government Care Home Funding Rules, there is no lower threshold or sliding scale tariff system. Wales uses a single, generous capital limit of £50,000. If your assets are worth £50,000 or less, your capital is entirely ignored, and you contribute only from your eligible income.

Can I manage my own care funding if I qualify?

Yes. If the financial assessment shows you are eligible for council funding, you do not have to let the local authority arrange your care. You can opt to receive your funding allocation directly via NHS-regulated Direct Payments. This allows you to receive cash payments from the council so you can independently choose, hire, and manage your own care providers.