Qualifying for support
Local authorities and the NHS can help with the cost of care – but support is limited. State assistance with the cost of old-age care is means tested – primarily by imposing upper and lower capital limits on the value of your savings, property and other assets.
The limits across the country differ:
Capital limits for care funding 2009/10
| Upper limit |
£23,250 |
£22,750 |
£22,000 |
£23,250 |
| Lower limit |
£14,250 |
£14,000 |
£22,000 |
£14,250 |
So, if you live in England and your assets, including any property, are worth less than £14,250, care bills will be paid in full by the State. If they're worth more than £23,250, you will normally be expected to pay for your own care in full.
A reducing scale of support applies between £14,250 and £23,250, based on you contributing £1 a week for every £250 in assets over £14,250.
Example
| Total assets |
£18,000 |
| Value of assets over £14,250 limit |
£3,750 |
| Divided by £250 |
£15 |
| Multiplied by £1 |
£15 to be paid per week |