Plain-English guides to UK home care.

Who pays for home care in the UK? A 2026 funding guide

Home care in the UK is funded through four main routes: NHS Continuing Healthcare (for those with a primary health need), local authority social care (means-tested), fully self-funded arrangements, and state benefits like Attendance Allowance that can help offset costs. Understanding which applies (and in what combination) can mean the difference between thousands of pounds a year in funded support and paying for everything yourself. This guide explains each route, the eligibility thresholds, and the questions worth asking now.