Watching care savings run down is frightening, but care does not simply stop. In England, as savings fall towards the upper limit of £23,250, the council can step in and contribute so support continues.
The one thing that matters most: act in good time. Contact the council months ahead, not the week the money runs out.
- When to contact the council, and what to ask for
- What the council will and will not pay
- Top-ups, and how to keep the same care home
- What else to check before the money runs low
When to contact the council
Get in touch well before savings reach £23,250, ideally several months ahead. Ask for a needs assessment (what support is needed) and a financial assessment (what you can afford), so a plan is ready the moment funding changes. Leaving it late is the main cause of a scramble.
What the council will and will not pay
The council pays up to its own rate for care that meets your assessed needs. That rate is often lower than what a self-funder has been paying. Your income, such as pensions, still counts towards the cost; only your capital is reassessed against the thresholds.
Exactly how savings and income are assessed is in my savings thresholds and means testing guide.
Top-ups, and keeping the same care home
If the current care home costs more than the council's rate, someone else (often family) can usually pay a third-party top-up to make up the difference, so your relative can stay put. The person themselves generally cannot top up from their own money, except in limited situations. Make sure any top-up is affordable long term before agreeing to it.
For care at home, if the council's package will not stretch to the current carer or hours, you can discuss alternatives or top up in the same way.
What else to check before the money runs low
- Attendance Allowance, if not already claimed. It is not means-tested and adds up to £114.60 a week.
- A NHS Continuing Healthcare assessment, if needs are mainly about health. If it applies, the NHS pays.
- A full benefits check, in case Pension Credit or other help is being missed.
- A deferred payment agreement, if a home is involved, so fees come from the property later rather than a sale now.
- Free advice from Age UK, or an independent financial adviser who specialises in care fees.
How to plan ahead
Keep clear records of what you spend on care, so a reassessment is straightforward. Understand the thresholds early. And get advice before making big decisions like selling a home or buying a care annuity, because they are hard to undo.
Sources
Figures are for England and were checked at the time of writing. Rules and rates change, so confirm the current position before you rely on it. Last reviewed: July 2026.
