Paying for Care
If you use care and support services, it is very likely that you will pay for the cost yourself.
If you have savings or investments over £23,250, either in your own right or shared with your spouse/partner, you will have to pay the full cost of the residential care or nursing home.
If you have less than £23,250, you will pay towards the cost of your residential care or nursing home. This will follow an assessment to decide how much you need to pay.
Anything less than £14,250 is ignored. However, if you have between £14,250 - £23,250 we will apply a tariff income. This assumes that you can afford to pay £1 for every £250 between these amounts. This will form part of your contribution towards the cost of your care home.
Paying for care can cause concern for individuals and families. It is important to understand the different types of care and the funding available.
This can be made more difficult when someone lacks the mental capacity to manage their own finances, click here to find out more.
Click the link for a full list of fees and charges - Factsheet 5 - Fees and Charges 25-26.pdf
Below is a short but helpful video to help explain paying for Care, including person budgets, direct payments and client contributions.
Deferred Payments
A Deferred Payments Scheme 2025 is designed to help you if you have been assessed as having to pay the full cost of your residential or nursing home – but cannot afford to pay this as most of your capital is tied up in your home.
Top Up Payments
Each care home in Sefton sets its own fees. Some care homes will charge higher fees for additional services they provide e.g. they may provide bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.
If you choose a care home with higher fees, then a relative, friend or another organisation can agree to pay the difference.
This is sometimes called a top payment - find more information here -Factsheet 4 Top Up payments 25-26 .pdf
Below is another short but helpful video to support you to understand paying for care including self funding, deferred payments and how to get independent financial advice.
Residential Care
For more information see our helpful Factsheet 2 Residential 25-26.pdf
Direct Payments
ASC Direct Payment Policy 2025 -2026.docx
Non-Residential Care
For more information on non-residential care - Fact Sheet 1 Non-Residential Leaflet 2025-2026
Additional information
Fact Sheet 6 - People who have lost Capacity