Assistance with care home fees from the local authority social services department is usually means tested, the means test follows an assessment of your care needs. Once you have been assessed as needing care in a care home, you will be expected to pay the full cost of care if you have more then £20,500 in capital. Capital includes property, savings and other investments. If your capital is less than £20,500 the local authority man contribute towards the cost of your care. The upper capital limit may change every April (correct at 23 Aug 05).

See Age Concern Factsheet 40 or Contact Information and Advice.