Finding the right care home can be a stressful time, and financial worries often add to the burden. Fortunately, there are several benefits and allowances available in the UK to help ease the cost of care. This guide explains what you might be entitled to and steers you in the right direction for claiming, including the potential amount of benefit you could receive.

The Big Picture: Up to 96% of Britons Feel Funding Confusion

A staggering 96% of UK care seekers struggle with care home funding. This isn’t surprising, as the system can be complex. However, with the right information, navigating these benefits becomes much simpler.

Benefits You Can Claim in a Care Home

• Pension Credit (PC): A weekly top-up for low-income individuals over the State Pension age (currently 66). There are two parts to PC: Guarantee Credit (based on your income needs) and Savings Credit (based on retirement savings). To find out more about Pension Credit and see if you qualify, visit the GOV.UK website (https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit).
• • Guarantee Credit: You can receive a guaranteed minimum weekly income of £218.15 if single, or £332.95 if you have a partner (https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit).
  • Savings Credit: The amount awarded depends on your retirement savings (https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit).
    
• Universal Credit (UC): A monthly payment for those out of work, with limited work capacity, or on a low income. UC may continue or even start when you move into a care home, depending on your circumstances. You can check your eligibility for Universal Credit and how it might be affected by moving into a care home by visiting GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit).
  
• Attendance Allowance (AA): A weekly benefit for pensioners needing regular care due to illness, disability, or a long-term health condition. AA rates depend on the level of care needed. Important Note: You can only receive AA for the first 28 days in a care home if your local authority funds your stay. If you self-fund, AA continues. Full details and how to apply for Attendance Allowance are available on GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance).
  
  • The current rates for Attendance Allowance are:
    • Lower rate: £55.10 per week
    • Higher rate: £82.30 per week (https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance)
      
• Constant Attendance Allowance (CAA): For those who are very ill or disabled and require round-the-clock care. CAA rates depend on the severity of the condition. More information on eligibility and how to claim Constant Attendance Allowance can be found on GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/constant-attendance-allowance).
  
  • The current weekly rates for Constant Attendance Allowance are:
    • Exceptional Rate: £177.40
    • Intermediate Rate: £133.05
    • Full Day Rate: £88.70
    • Part Day Rate: £44.35 (https://www.gov.uk/constant-attendance-allowance)
      
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP): Helps with additional costs due to a long-term physical, mental, or learning disability. PIP rates are based on how your condition affects your daily life and the level of help you need. You can find out more about Personal Independence Payment and how to claim on GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/pip).
  
• Personal Expenses Allowance (PEA): Protects a care home resident’s income for personal needs like clothes, toiletries, and treats. The amount varies depending on your location in the UK. Note: Wales uses a different term, Minimum Income Amount (MIA). Details on Personal Expenses Allowance (or Minimum Income Amount) are available from your local council. However, rough allowances:

• England: £28.25 per week
• Scotland: £32.65 per week
• Wales: £39.50 per week (This is called the Minimum Income Amount (MIA) in Wales)
• Northern Ireland: £27.19 per week
  
• Carer’s Allowance: For those caring at least 35 hours a week for someone receiving middle or highest-rate Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance. Important Note: Carer’s Allowance usually stops 28 days after the cared-for person moves into a care home. Full details and eligibility information for Carer’s Allowance can be found on GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance).
  
  • The current weekly rate for Carer’s Allowance is £81.90 (https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance)
    
• Winter Fuel Payment: A tax-free annual payment to help with winter heating costs for the elderly. The amount varies depending on your circumstances, and those in care homes may receive a reduced rate. More information on Winter Fuel Payment eligibility and rates is available on the UK Parliament website (https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn06019/).
  
  • Winter Fuel Payment amounts for 2024-2025 range from £150 to £300 (https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment)

Key Points to Remember

• Always report changes in your circumstances (income, care needs, etc.) to the relevant authorities.
• Some benefits cannot be combined, so check eligibility carefully.
• Benefits claimed on behalf of another person (e.g., a spouse) may be better claimed by that person directly.
• If your local authority or NHS funds your care homestay, some benefits (DLA, PIP, AA) may stop after 28 days.
• Applying for most benefits involves a financial assessment.

Taking that Next Step

For more detailed information and to begin the application process, consider the following resources:

• GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/) – A wealth of information on government benefits.
• Turn2us (https://www.turn2us.org.uk/get-support/apply-for-grants) – A charity offering help with benefits applications.

By understanding the available benefits and allowances, you can make informed financial decisions for your care home journey. Remember, Serene Care is here to help you every step of the way. Our home managers can provide further guidance on navigating the financial aspects of care homes and ensure a smooth transition for you or your loved one.