Arranging homecare can be a big step for you or your loved one—whether it’s support with daily living, personal care, or complex health needs. One of the most important considerations is how to fund this care.
If you live in Kirklees or Calderdale, there are several funding options available depending on your circumstances. This guide breaks down each option, from private funding to local authority support and NHS-funded care, along with links and contacts to help you take the next step with confidence.
1. Self-Funded Care (Private Payment Options)
If you plan to self-fund your homecare, you can pay directly from your income, pension, or savings. This gives you full control over the care you receive and who provides it. In Kirklees and Calderdale, private homecare typically costs between £20 and £30 per hour, and you can contact providers directly without needing an assessment.
For some, their home is their most valuable asset, and while selling or downsizing might be an option to help cover care costs, it’s understandable that this can be a difficult and deeply personal decision. Alternatively, some people explore financial products like equity release schemes, which allow access to some of the value tied up in a property without having to move. These options require careful consideration and professional advice to ensure they suit your individual circumstances.
Even if you fund your own care, you may still be eligible for non-means-tested benefits such as Attendance Allowance (for those aged 65+) or Personal Independence Payment (for under 65s), which can help with care expenses. For those with complex health needs, NHS Continuing Healthcare may cover all care costs regardless of your finances, so it’s worth requesting an assessment.
For personalised advice on managing care costs and understanding your options, consulting a regulated financial adviser or contacting Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees or Citizens Advice can be very helpful.
2. Local Authority Support (Means-Tested)
If your savings are below £23,250, you might qualify for financial support from your local council. This process starts with a Care Needs Assessment to identify your required support, followed by a Financial Assessment to determine what you can contribute.
When assessing finances, the council looks at savings, investments, income (including pensions and some benefits), and property—though your main home is excluded for homecare funding. If eligible, the council can arrange your care or offer Direct Payments, giving you funds to manage your own care.
To apply, contact Kirklees Council at 0300 304 5555 or Calderdale Gateway to Care at 01422 393000 or gatewaytocare@calderdale.gov.uk
3. NHS Continuing Healthcare (Health-Based Eligibility)
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a package of care fully funded by the NHS for people with severe, ongoing, and complex health needs. Unlike council support, CHC is not means-tested, so your income and savings do not affect eligibility. Care can be provided at home or in a care home depending on assessed needs.
To be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare, you must be assessed as having a “primary health need”. This means you have a complex medical condition with substantial and ongoing care needs, and—after considering all aspects of your situation—it is determined that the main focus of your care is to manage or prevent health-related issues rather than just provide support with daily living.
The assessment process begins with an initial checklist by a healthcare professional, followed by a full multidisciplinary team evaluation. The NHS Integrated Care Board makes the final decision. To request an assessment, speak to your GP, social worker, or local adult social care team.
More information can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/money-work-and-benefits/nhs-continuing-healthcare/
4. Government Benefits (Non-Means-Tested)
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people aged 65 or over who need help with personal care due to physical or mental disabilities. It is not means-tested, so income and savings do not affect eligibility. Many use this allowance to pay for professional care, support from family, or extra help at home.
There are two rates available: the lower rate (£72.65 per week) for help during the day or night, and the higher rate (£108.55 per week) for help both day and night or if terminally ill. Eligible needs include assistance with dressing, washing, medication, supervision due to dementia or epilepsy, and overnight support.
You must have had care needs for at least six months unless you are terminally ill. To apply, call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 or download the form from the GOV.UK website https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance. Help completing the form is available through Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees on 01422 252 040 or Citizens Advice.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
For people under 65, Personal Independence Payment supports daily living and mobility needs related to disabilities or long-term health conditions. It has two components: Daily Living (up to £108.55 per week) and Mobility (up to £75.75 per week). To apply, call 0800 917 2222 or visit the GOV.UK site https://www.gov.uk/pip.
Carer’s Allowance
If you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week, you may qualify for Carer’s Allowance of up to £81.90 per week, depending on your income. This benefit can be claimed even if the person you care for receives Attendance Allowance, PIP, or NHS care. To apply, call 0800 731 0297 or visit the GOV.UK site https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance.
Need Support Navigating Your Options?
At Nestora Home Care, we support families across Kirklees and Calderdale to find the care they need—whether privately funded or publicly supported. If you’re unsure where to start or want to understand your entitlements, contact our friendly team for expert advice.
📧 enquiries@nestorahomecare.co.uk or complete our contact form, and we will call you back www.nestorahomecare.co.uk/contact/