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Everyday Life · 2025/26 thresholds

Care Home Means Test Calculator

If social services arrange your care home placement, they apply a financial means test. Above £23,250 capital you self-fund; below £14,250 only income counts; in between you get partial help with tariff income added.

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Your weekly share

£204.35

Capital between £14,250 and £23,250 — partial council support with tariff income added.

Breakdown

  • Weekly care cost
    £900
  • Tariff income (from capital)
    £1/wk per £250 above £14,250
    £15
  • Your contribution
    £204
  • Council pays
    £696

How we calculated your result

We apply the England thresholds. If capital is above the upper limit, you self-fund. Otherwise we add tariff income (£1/wk per £250 of capital above £14,250) to your weekly income, subtract the £30.65 Personal Expenses Allowance, and that’s your share — the council pays the rest.

Official UK rules in simple English

  • Upper capital limit £23,250; lower £14,250 (England, 2025/26).
  • Personal Expenses Allowance £30.65/wk kept for pocket money.
  • Tariff income £1/wk per £250 above the lower limit.
  • If you own a home and there’s no spouse remaining, its value usually counts after 12 weeks.

Common pitfalls to watch out for

  • ⚠ Deprivation of assets

    Giving money away to fall below the threshold backfires — the council can include ”notional capital” if they think it was deliberate.

  • ⚠ Top-up fees

    If you pick a more expensive home than the council’s usual rate, a third party (family) must pay the top-up — care recipient can’t use their own savings for this.

  • ⚠ 12-week disregard

    Your home is ignored for the first 12 weeks of a permanent placement, giving time to consider deferred payments.

Frequently asked questions

What about my pension?
State Pension counts as income (minus £30.65 PEA). Private pension income also counts. Attendance Allowance is disregarded.
What if my spouse still lives at home?
Your home is fully disregarded as long as a spouse, partner or dependent relative still lives in it.
Can I take out a deferred payment agreement?
Yes — the council pays your fees against the equity in your home, repaid when the property is sold. Interest at a low statutory rate.

England rules only. Wales and Scotland have higher thresholds and different rules. Always get a free Age UK assessment before committing.

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