Funding your care

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is a tax free benefit for people over 65 who need help with personal care such as getting in and out of bed, washing, eating, medication or mobility, or because they can become confused and need someone to watch over them. Phone your local benefits office on:
Telephone: (0845) 712 3456 for advice.

Benefits Enquiry Line

This is a confidential FREEPHONE service for people with disabilities, their representatives and carers.
Telephone: (0800) 882 200

Carer’s Allowance

A taxable benefit for people such as family members and friends, who look after someone, who gets Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance. Extra expenses can be claimed for paying a third party to provide care while you are out. For further details, Phone your local benefits office on:
Telephone: (0800) 882200

Independent Living Fund

The top-up fund that works in conjunction with Social Services. ILF pays grants to people with high support needs who wish to live independently. ILF disregards a client’s earnings and that of partners so you can earn without losing any funding.
Phone (0845) 601 8815

Continuing Care (NHS)

Your every nursing and care need is entitled to be paid for ‘in any setting’ – including in your own home – if, following a short clinical assessment, your local health authority agrees your health needs meet their criteria for funding. This may amount to more than £1,000 per week in aid which can be spent, for example, on 24-hour live-in nursing, night nurses or daily respite.
Phone NHS Direct on: (0845) 4647

Disability Living Allowance

A tax-free benefit for children and adults with a disability or illness who need help with getting around or personal care and who claim before the age of 65. Phone your local benefits office on:
Telephone: (0845) 712 3456

Long-term Care Insurance (‘Care Fee Payment Plans’)

This type of insurance pays out a tax-free income if you become unable to cope on your own. The income can be used to provide private help in your own home. Most insurers offer an ‘immediate care insurance’ scheme for those who need immediate and on-going care; normally you would pay a single premium, with the amount based on how long the insurance company thinks you will need care.

You should check if any existing health insurance policies you have would pay the cost of your fees.
See your phone book for insurance providers or speak first to an independent financial advisor.

Other funding methods

See also