This is probably the biggest question on people’s lips when we chat to them for the first time.
The regulations change frequently, and it is also dependent on where you live, so we have compiled a few links to help families look into this:
General benefits for the over 60’s are worth taking a look at in the round in addition to funding for care.
For more targeted care needs and specific funding, this can be a complex area.
Here are several reputable UK websites and tools designed to help you calculate costs, check benefits eligibility, and find financial support for your elderly loved one’s care.
Government & NHS Resources (For Assessments & Benefits)
GOV.UK Care Needs Assessment: The vital first step. You can use this portal to apply for a free local council needs assessment for your loved ones. If they qualify, the council will conduct a financial assessment (means test) to see if they will fund some or all of the care.
GOV.UK Carers Benefits: Explains the financial support available directly to you if you regularly spend time caring for your parents, including Carer's Allowance.
NHS Social Care and Support Guide: Provides clear guides on NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)—a package of 100% funded care for individuals with complex, primary health needs that is currently completely non-means-tested.
Free Benefits & Eligibility Calculators
You can use free tools to find out if your loved ones are missing out on benefits that could go toward funding their home care or live-in care.
Turn2us Benefits Calculator & Grants Search: This is one of the best tools to check for extra financial help. You can use the Turn2us Benefits Calculator to see what income-related benefits they can claim, and the Turn2us Grants Search to find non-repayable charitable funds based on their backgrounds or location.
Entitledto: A highly recommended, independent calculator to cross-reference benefit entitlements for carers and low-income families alike.
Charities & Independent Advisory Sites
Age UK Paying for Care Advice: Offers comprehensive advice on navigating social care costs. They provide an excellent, free Age UK Benefits Calculator to find out what extra income your parents might be missing out on (such as Attendance Allowance).
Age Space: A highly practical online hub built specifically for people looking after elderly parents. It breaks down funding structures, legal issues, and care options into easy-to-understand guides.
Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA): If your parents have assets (like a home) and you need to figure out self-funding options safely, SOLLA helps you find accredited, independent financial advisers specializing in eldercare.
FirstStop Advice: An independent, free service offering detailed information to families about housing options, care homes, and the financial structures underlying them.
The following links provide personalized support, helplines, and clear breakdowns of the funding system.
Age UK: Offers comprehensive care funding guides and a free advice line. They can walk you through how property wealth (like equity release) interacts with care funding.
Carers UK & Carers Trust: These sites are designed to support you as the family member. They provide information on Carer’s Allowance (which provides £86.45 weekly if you are personally caring for them 35+ hours) and potential local carer relief grants.
Grants & Hardship Search Tools
Turn2us Grants Search Tool: An invaluable, anonymous database where you can input your parents' background details (such as past professions, location, or health conditions). It matches them against thousands of UK charitable funds and benevolent trusts that provide non-repayable grants for care equipment, home adaptations, or living costs.
Carers Trust Funding Guides: Offers targeted information on local grants, respite care funding, and discounts available specifically for carers.
We also have information on our website about the thresholds for financial assistance depending on where you live.
