What Is Means Testing for Care in England?
Means testing for care is the process your local authority uses to decide whether you qualify for financial support towards home care or home adaptations, and how much you may need to contribute yourself.
If you or a loved one need support at home, your local council will assess your care needs and your financial situation before confirming what funding is available.
This information applies to England. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Social Care Needs Assessment
If you think you need care at home, the first step is to request a care needs assessment from your local authority. This assessment is free and is a legal right under the Care Act 2014.
You can request an assessment by contacting your local council directly or applying through GOV.UK.
What happens during a needs assessment
A social worker or occupational therapist will talk with you about your daily life and any difficulties you are experiencing. The assessment may take place in person or over the phone.
You will be asked about tasks such as:
• Getting dressed
• Washing and personal hygiene
• Preparing meals
• Cleaning and managing your home
• Moving safely around your property
They will look at how these challenges affect your well-being and independence. If needed, they may also recommend equipment or changes to your home, such as grab rails, ramps, or specialist aids.
Even if you believe you will not qualify for financial help, it is still important to have an assessment. It confirms what support you are entitled to and can identify equipment or services that may be provided free of charge.
How to prepare for a needs assessment
Be open and detailed about the difficulties you face. Mention everything that affects your daily routine, even if it feels minor. The purpose of the assessment is to understand what support will make life safer and more manageable.
Financial Assessment and Means Testing
If you are found eligible for support, the council will carry out a financial assessment. This is the means test.
The financial assessment looks at:
Income
This includes pensions and most benefits. Some disability related benefits may be partially disregarded depending on your circumstances.
Savings and capital
This includes money held in bank accounts, investments and certain assets.
For care received at home, the value of your main property is not included in the financial assessment.
Current capital thresholds in England
From October 2025, the capital limits in England increased:
• If you have more than £100,000 in savings and capital, you will usually pay the full cost of your home care.
• If you have less than £20,000, your savings are fully disregarded.
• If your savings fall between £20,000 and £100,000, you may contribute on a sliding scale, with the council also contributing.
Your income is assessed separately and will also affect how much you pay.
Because funding rules can change, it is always best to confirm the latest position with your local authority.
How to prepare for a financial assessment
To make the process straightforward, have the following information ready:
• Details of all bank accounts and savings
• Information about pensions and benefits
• Details of any investments or other assets
If you would prefer support, a family member or trusted friend can help you during the assessment.
Funding for Home Adaptations
If your needs assessment identifies that equipment or minor adaptations are required, your local authority must provide aids and minor adaptations costing £1,000 or less free of charge.
For larger changes, you may be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant.
Disabled Facilities Grant in England
The Disabled Facilities Grant helps pay for more significant adaptations, such as:
• Stairlifts
• Level access showers
• Widened doorways
• Ramps
In England, the maximum grant is £30,000.
For adults, the grant is means-tested based on income and savings. The calculation is more detailed than standard care means testing and is based on a set formula used by local authorities. The grant is not means-tested for children.
The Disabled Facilities Grant is available to homeowners and tenants.
Funding Home Care and Next Steps
Understanding how assessments and means testing work can make the process feel more manageable. The needs assessment identifies what support is required, and the financial assessment determines what help the council can provide.
If you or a loved one lives in Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire or Dorset and would like to discuss professional care at home, the team at Abbots Care is here to help.
Email info@abbotscare.com or call 01727 891004 to speak with our team about your options.
