Deferred payments
Depleting funds
What happens when you start running out of money to pay for your care
What to do if you have more than £23,250:
- if you have over £23,250 in savings and assets (excluding your home unless you are moving into a care home), you will need to pay for your care.
- if your savings drop below this amount, you might be able to get help with funding. Subject to a Care Act assessment where you will need to be found eligible for 24-hour care in a care home.
When should you contact us?
- contact us at least 3 months before your savings fall below £23,250.
- it can take time to arrange funding and you will need enough money to pay for care until funding is approved.
- funding will only start from the day you contact us and cannot be backdated.
What you need to do
How we work out what you can afford to pay
What to expect
After your Care Act and financial assessments, we will work together with you on your next steps.
If you are in a care home and paying for yourself, you may be unable to stay there if your money runs out. We might suggest a more affordable care home that meets your needs.
How homeowners can use their home to pay for residential or nursing care
If you are a homeowner, the value of your home can help pay for care (if you are in a care home).
A Deferred Payment Agreement can allow you to delay selling your home. The money will be recovered from your estate after you pass away.
Continuing health care
Some adults with long-term complex health needs may be eligible to have the cost of their care met by the NHS. This is subject to an assessment by the NHS.
If you receive care in your own home the NHS may cover the cost of the care and support you need to meet your assessed health and associated care needs, which includes personal care such as help with washing and getting dressed.
If you receive NHS continuing healthcare in a care home the NHS may pay your care home fees.
To get NHS continuing healthcare, you must:
- have ongoing significant physical and/or mental health needs
- and having taken account of all your needs, it can be said that the main aspects or majority part of the care you need is focused on addressing and/or preventing health needs
This is determined by an assessment carried out by a team of healthcare professionals.
The assessment will look at:
- what help you need
- how complex your needs are
- how intense your needs can be
- how unpredictable they are, including any risks to your health if the right care is not provided at the right time
The process should also consider your views and where appropriate, those of carers and family members. Your eligibility is not dependent on any diagnosis or condition.
Speak to your doctor or social worker if you think you might be eligible.
For more information, please visit the South-East London ICS (Integrated Care Board) webpage.