How paying for a care home works in Thurrock and Essex

Working out who pays for a care home can feel complicated. This is a short overview of how it works in England, including in Thurrock and Essex. Rules and figures change, so always check the latest information with the council and on GOV.UK.

Step 1: a care needs assessment

The council for the area where the person lives can carry out a free care needs assessment to decide whether they need care, and what kind. Cedar House is in Thurrock. If the person lives in another area, such as Essex County Council’s area, they should contact that council.

Step 2: a financial assessment

If the person is found to need a care home, the council looks at their income and savings in a financial assessment, sometimes called a means test.

In England, the savings limits are:

• Over £23,250: the person usually pays the full cost of their care themselves. This is called self-funding.
• Between £14,250 and £23,250: the council pays some of the cost, and the person contributes from their income and from their savings.
• Under £14,250: savings are not counted, but the person still contributes most of their income, such as their pension.

The home

The value of the person’s home may be counted if they move into a care home permanently. It is not counted if a partner, or certain other relatives, still live there. It is also not counted for the first 12 weeks of a permanent stay.

If someone’s money is tied up in their home, they may be able to arrange a deferred payment agreement with the council, so the fees are paid back later, often when the home is sold.

Help from the NHS

Some people with very high health needs qualify for NHS continuing healthcare, which pays for their care in full.

Benefits

People who pay for their own care may be able to claim Attendance Allowance, which is not means-tested.

Get advice

The council, Age UK and independent financial advisers who specialise in care fees can help. Check that an adviser is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

At Cedar House

Cedar House has rooms for residents whose care is funded by their local council, as well as for people paying for their own care. Our fees are fully inclusive, apart from personal extras. Call 01375 768505 to ask about current fees and rooms.