Care fees means test calculator (England)
When you ask your council for help with care costs they carry out a financial assessment. This works through the same steps they do, for care at home and for a permanent care home place.
Uses 2026/27 tax year rates, checked 2 August 2026.
What this tool does not do
- It does not make a decision. Only the DWP, your council or the NHS can do that.
- England only. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland set different capital limits and charging rules.
- It does not model disability related expenditure, which councils must deduct from your income for home care and which can reduce your contribution significantly.
- It does not cover deferred payment agreements, top-up fees paid by a third party, or the 12 week property disregard in detail.
- It is an estimate based on published rules and 2026/27 rates, not advice.
Common questions
Does the council take my house?
Never for care in your own home: the value of the home you live in is always ignored in a home care assessment. For a permanent care home place your property is normally counted, but it is disregarded if your partner, a relative over 60, a disabled relative, or a child under 18 still lives there. There is also a 12 week disregard at the start of a permanent stay.
What are the capital limits?
In England for 2026/27, the upper capital limit is £23,250 and the lower limit is £14,250. Above the upper limit you pay the full cost. Below the lower limit your capital is ignored and you contribute from income only. Between the two you are treated as having £1.00 a week of extra income for every £250 of capital.
What is tariff income?
An assumed income the council adds to your real income when your capital sits between the two limits. It is £1.00 a week per £250 of capital above the lower limit. It is not interest, and it applies whether or not your savings actually earn anything.
How much am I left with?
If the council funds a care home place you keep the personal expenses allowance, £31.80 a week. For care at home you keep at least the minimum income guarantee, which depends on your age and circumstances and is higher, for example £241.45 a week for a single person over Pension Credit age.
Can I give money away to get under the limit?
Councils can treat you as still owning assets you have given away if they decide you did it to avoid care fees. This is called deprivation of assets, and there is no time limit on how far back they can look. Take proper advice before moving money or property.