How to pay for care in the UK
Care funding in the UK works differently to the NHS. Most social care is means-tested by the local authority — but if needs are primarily health-related, the NHS may pay for everything via Continuing Healthcare. This guide walks through every option.
Last reviewed: ·Reviewed by: CareGuide UK Editorial Team, reviewed by an independent care fees adviser
The three funding routes
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) — fully NHS-funded, not means-tested, for those with complex health needs. Read the CHC guide →
- Local authority funding — means-tested support for personal care. Starts with a free needs assessment. Local authority assessment →
- Self-funding — paying for care from savings, income, pensions or property. Self-funding guide →
- Protecting against unlimited costs — care fee annuities and financial planning for self-funders. Care fee annuities →
- Care fee reclaim — if a relative received care that should have been NHS-funded, you may be able to reclaim those fees. Retrospective CHC claims →
Means-test thresholds (2025–26)
- England: upper limit £23,250 · lower limit £14,250
- Scotland: upper limit £35,000 · lower limit £21,500 (with free personal care for over-65s)
- Wales: capital limit £50,000 (residential care)
- Northern Ireland: upper limit £23,250 · lower limit £14,250
Combining funding sources
Most families end up with a mix: NHS Funded Nursing Care contributing toward a nursing home fee, council support for personal care, and a self-funded top-up. Don't assume one route excludes the others — request the assessments first, then plan.
Frequently asked questions
The NHS pays for care only when needs are primarily health-related, through NHS Continuing Healthcare. Most social care (help with washing, dressing, meals) is funded by the local authority or by you, not the NHS.