Why it matters
If you're thinking about how to pay for care and support, it's important to understand all your options. The Care Act says councils must help people access independent financial advice. Especially if you’re likely to contribute towards your care costs.
Independent advice helps you:
- Make informed decisions
- Plan for future care needs
- Make your money go further
You can choose to pay for care yourself or ask the council for support. Either way, getting advice early can help you avoid costly mistakes.
In most cases, if you have savings and investments over £23,250, you may need to pay the full cost of your care and support. This is often referred to as self-funding.
Independent financial advice can help you understand your options, plan ahead and make informed decisions about paying for care, whether you receive council support or pay for care yourself.
What is independent financial advice?
Independent financial advice is:
- Free of charge
- Not linked to any financial products
- Focused on helping you understand your situation and options
Advisers will:
- Discuss your personal and financial circumstances
- Help you understand if you’ll need to pay for care
- Suggest next steps or refer you to specialist advisers
