Care funding calculator
In England the council only helps with care home fees once your capital falls below £23,250. See who pays on your figures, and how long savings would last.
How this is calculated
Above the upper capital limit of £23,250 you pay the full fee yourself.
Between the lower limit of £14,250 and the upper limit, the council counts £1 a week of income for every £250 of capital above £14,250 (tariff income).
Below the upper limit, your contribution is your income plus tariff income, less a personal expenses allowance you keep. The council pays the rest up to its own rate.
These are the rules for care homes in England for 2026/27. Care at home is assessed differently.
Rates used · 2026/27
| Upper capital limit | £23,250 |
| Lower capital limit | £14,250 |
| Tariff income | £1 a week per £250 between the limits |
| Personal expenses allowance | £31.80 a week |
Last checked July 2026. Source: HMRC and gov.uk.
Worked example
With £60,000 of savings and a £1,300 weekly fee you pay the full fee. With £300 a week of income, savings fall by about £1,000 a week and reach the £23,250 limit in about 37 weeks. With £20,000 of capital and £250 a week of income instead, you would contribute £241.20 a week and the council would pay the rest.
Common questions
Will I have to sell my home to pay for care?
Not straight away. The home is ignored for the first 12 weeks, and never counted while a partner or certain relatives live there. A deferred payment agreement lets the council pay and recover the cost when the home is sold later.
What if the care home costs more than the council pays?
The council pays up to its own rate. Someone else, usually family, may then pay a top-up for a more expensive home.
Is NHS continuing healthcare different?
Yes. If your needs are mainly health needs, the NHS may fund the whole cost, whatever your savings. Ask for an assessment.
Does this apply in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?
No. Each has its own limits and rules.