When it comes to arranging care at home, one of the biggest questions is how to pay for it. Care costs can add up quickly and it’s not always clear what financial help is available.
In Surrey, the local authority offers a range of adult social care funding options to make home care more affordable. This might include personal budgets, direct payments, or support for everyday care needs, complex conditions and even palliative or end-of-life care.
Understanding how these schemes work – and whether you qualify – can make a big difference. The process often involves a financial assessment, eligibility checks, and knowing what services you can access.
This guide explains the different funding routes available through Surrey County Council, how to apply, and what to expect along the way. With the right information, you can make confident choices and secure the support you or your loved one needs.
Understanding Home Care Funding in Surrey
Home care funding is designed to make it easier for people to get the support they need while remaining in their own homes. In Surrey, the local council provides a range of social care funding options for eligible residents. These schemes can reduce or even cover the full cost of services, depending on your circumstances.
The first step is usually a care needs assessment, carried out by Surrey County Council’s adult social care team. This looks at the type and level of support you require, whether that’s help with personal care, household tasks, or more specialised support such as palliative care.
If the assessment confirms you need help, the council will then carry out a financial assessment – sometimes called a means test. This calculates how much you’ll be expected to contribute based on your income, savings & assets. People with resources below a certain upper capital limit may be entitled to more generous funding.
Support can be provided in different ways. Some people choose direct payments, which allow them to arrange and pay for their own care. Others may prefer services arranged directly by the council, such as care providers visiting at agreed times.
Knowing how the funding process works in Surrey – and what options you have – can help you plan ahead and make informed choices about your care.
Surrey County Council Care Funding & Eligibility
Surrey County Council provides a range of adult social care funding schemes to help make home care more affordable. Eligibility is usually based on both your care needs and your financial situation.
The process begins with a needs assessment, which looks at the level of support you require, such as personal care, help with daily activities, or specialist services. If you meet the criteria, a separate financial assessment is carried out to determine how much you’ll pay towards your care costs.
This assessment considers your income, savings, and property value. If your savings are above the upper capital limit, you may have to cover the full cost of care yourself. Below this threshold, you might qualify for partial or full funding through a personal budget.
The council uses a means test to work out contributions. This can also factor in disability-related expenses or other special circumstances. Funding may be offered as a direct payment, giving you control over arranging care, or managed directly by the council.
By understanding the eligibility rules and how social care funding is calculated, you can make informed decisions and plan your care more confidently.
Paying for Care at Home
When arranging support at home, one of the first questions is how much it will cost and whether the local authority can help. Costs vary depending on the care services you need, how often they are provided, and whether you qualify for local authority support.
In Surrey, the council may contribute towards care costs if you meet the eligibility criteria in a financial assessment. This means test reviews your income, savings, and property value (including your own home) to decide how much you will pay. If your savings exceed the upper capital limit, you will usually cover the full cost yourself. Below that threshold, you may receive partial funding or a direct payment to arrange your own care.
Some residents may be entitled to extra help, such as attendance allowance, which can supplement funding or reduce personal contributions. In some cases, factors like council tax reductions or disability-related expenses are also considered.
Private funding, often called self-funding, remains common for those above the threshold, with options such as Live-in Care available for ongoing support. Whatever your situation, understanding all possible funding routes can help you budget more effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.
What’s Included in Care at Home Costs?
When comparing home care providers, it’s important to look beyond the hourly rate. A clear breakdown of what’s included can help you avoid unexpected charges.
Typical care at home packages may cover:
- Personal care such as washing, dressing, and toileting
- Help with meals, shopping, and household chores
- Support with medication and mobility
- Companionship visits
- Specialist services, like dementia care or palliative care
Some providers charge extra for evenings, weekends, travel, or equipment. If you receive local authority funding or direct payments, check how your budget is allocated and whether it covers all planned services.
Clarifying what’s included – and what might cost extra – helps you budget effectively and ensures the care provided matches your needs. If companionship is a key priority, our companionship care service offers friendly, reliable support tailored to your needs.
Book a free Care Funding Consultation with Reedsfield:
- Personalised funding eligibility review
- Guidance on direct payments & council-managed care
- Support with applications & paperwork
Funding for Palliative & End-of-Life Care at Home
End-of-life care at home focuses on comfort, dignity & quality of life for people with serious or terminal illnesses. In Surrey, this type of care can often be fully or partly funded through the NHS, Surrey County Council or a combination of both.
Some people may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which covers the full cost of care if your needs are primarily health-related. Others may receive funding through the council’s means-tested system, which can help with personal care, equipment & support for family members.
Charities such as Marie Curie and Macmillan Cancer Support also offer free or subsidised home-based palliative care in certain situations. These services can be combined with council or NHS funding to create a tailored care package.
By exploring all available funding routes, families can reduce financial stress and focus on providing compassionate, consistent support during a challenging time.
Social Care Funding in the UK – How It Works in Surrey
Social care funding in the UK blends national rules with local authority delivery. The government sets eligibility criteria and the upper capital limit for savings, while Surrey County Council decides who receives support and how much from the care fund.
It starts with a care needs assessment to establish the level of help required, from personal care to complex conditions. A financial assessment (means test) follows, calculating contributions based on income, savings, and property value. Assets above the national threshold usually mean paying the full cost.
If eligible, you can get a direct payment to arrange your own care or use council-managed services such as domiciliary care, day support, or residential care. Surrey also offers short-term and discretionary schemes, like help after hospital discharge or extra support for specific needs.
Knowing how national rules apply locally helps you access the right funding and plan care with confidence. You can also read about what is featured for Adult Social Care and Support on the Surrey Council website, including their Guide to getting a financial assessment.
Reedsfield’s care specialists can guide you through funding options, eligibility checks & the application process.
Call now to discuss your care needs: 01784 898170
Getting Advice & Support for Funding Home Care
Navigating home care funding in Surrey can feel complex, but understanding the process makes it far easier to secure the right support. From needs and financial assessments to direct payments and council-arranged care, each option has its benefits depending on your situation.
By knowing what’s available and how to apply, you can make confident, informed decisions for yourself or your loved one. With the right approach, funding can help maintain independence, improve quality of life, and ensure care is delivered where it’s most comfortable – at home.