Financial eligibility
The Government sets the level of savings that determines if you can get help with your care fees. This is called the ‘Capital Threshold’, and it is currently £23,250.
- If you have more than £23,250 in capital, savings, second property or land you are not eligible. You will usually be asked to make your own care arrangements and pay the full cost of your care. You can ask us to make arrangements for you if your needs are eligible. We will normally charge an arrangement fee for this.
- If you have less than £23,250 in savings you may be eligible, but you may have to pay a contribution towards your care costs.
You can use our quick online checker to see if you might get financial help for your care costs. This isn’t a final decision, but it can help you decide if you want to apply.
Financial eligibility checker
About the financial assessment
If you are eligible following a care and support assessment, we then need to complete a financial assessment.
If we agree to give you a Personal Budget or can support you, someone from our Financial Assessment and Benefits team will talk to you about how much you need to pay. This is called a financial assessment.
The Financial Assessment and Benefits Team is part of Somerset Council. Officers in this team carry official identification. They can also check that you are receiving all the benefits that you are entitled to.
The Financial Assessment and Benefits Officer will ask you about your income and spending. They will need to see your bank statements and evidence of any capital and savings you have.
If you are under 62 you can make a claim for working age benefits by contacting Jobcentre Plus on 0345 604 3719.
Independent help and advice is also available from the Citizens Advice Bureau.
More information
You can find information on benefits that you may qualify for on our Paying for your care page.