Funding or Care and Support

Local Authority support

Social care funding by a local authority is subject to eligibility criteria based on the level of care need required, as well as being a means tested benefit. The local authority may pay for all or some or none of the costs of your care depending on the care assessment and the results of the financial means testing which takes your assets into account and compares them against a government-stipulated threshold.

Direct payments

Anyone who is assessed as being eligible for care services can have the services provided by the local authority, most likely through a third-party provider. However, legislation in place also gives the client has the right to manage their own care instead by requesting the funds in the form of a direct payment instead. There are some limited circumstances when direct payments are not awarded, however the majority of those already receiving, or those assessed as needing, social services have a right to a direct payment.

NHS Continuing Healthcare

NHS continuing healthcare is the name given to a package of care that is arranged and funded solely by the NHS for individuals who are not in hospital but have complex ongoing healthcare needs. You may also be reassessed for NHS continuing care if your health deteriorates.

To be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare you must be over 18 and have a complex medical condition and substantial and ongoing care needs. You must have a “primary health need”, which means that your main or primary need for care must relate to your health.