State benefits for self-funders
If the financial assessment finds that your assets are over the upper means test level, you will normally be expected to meet your care fees in full until your assets fall to or are equal to this upper means test level.
However, there are some state benefits available that might help.
*2019/2020 figures
Attendance Allowance/Personal Independence Payment Attendance Allowance is a tax-free, non-means tested benefit that is paid to those over state pension age who have a physical or mental disability. The amount is paid on one of two levels depending on whether care is required during the day or night or during the day and night. The lower level is currently £58.70* per week and the higher level is £87.65* per week. If you feel that you would be eligible for this benefit you should contact the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 or apply by post using the form at www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance.
Please note that if you are under state pension age, you would be eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which has now replaced the Disability Living Allowance (DLA). With the Personal Independence Payment, the support is paid in two segments; daily living and mobility. The daily living component of PIP is either £58.70 or £87.65* per week. The mobility component is paid if you require help getting around, with two levels available – £23.20 and £61.20* a week depending on your needs.
Personal Care Allowance (Scotland) If you are assessed as requiring personal care in Scotland, you should receive a Personal Care Allowance of £177* a week. If this is received, your Attendance Allowance would normally be stopped.
NHS continuing healthcare
If your nursing needs are of a sufficiently complex and unstable nature, it is possible that you may be eligible for continuing healthcare. This means that the NHS will pay for your stay in a nursing home, without carrying out a financial assessment.
To ensure fairness across England, all Primary Care Trusts must use the Department of Health’s eligibility criteria and decision support tool when assessing who is eligible for continuing healthcare.