Funding & Direct Payments
Understanding how to fund care in the UK can feel complex. We've broken down the main options — from Direct Payments and personal budgets to NHS Continuing Healthcare — so you can make the right choice for your family.
Care Funding Made Clear
Many families don't realise they may be entitled to financial support for care. Whether you're arranging care for an elderly parent, a disabled adult, or a child with additional needs, there are several funding routes available through the NHS and your Local Authority.
FindCarers helps you connect with verified care providers that accept Direct Payments and other funding arrangements — so you stay in control of who provides your care.
Main Care Funding Options
Each funding route has its own eligibility criteria and process. Here's what you need to know about each one.
Direct Payments
Direct Payments allow you (or a family member) to receive money directly from your Local Authority to arrange and pay for your own care, rather than having the council arrange it for you.
- Available after a social care needs assessment
- You choose who provides your care — including private carers
- Can be used to pay for home care, day centres, or respite care
- Managed via a dedicated bank account
- Suitable for adults, children, and carers
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
NHS Continuing Healthcare is free, fully-funded care arranged by the NHS for adults whose primary need for care is due to a health condition. It can be provided at home or in a care home.
- Available to adults with significant ongoing health needs
- Funded entirely by the NHS — no means test for financial eligibility
- Assessed using the NHS Continuing Healthcare checklist
- Can cover nursing, personal care, and therapies
- Reviewed regularly to check continued eligibility
Local Authority Social Care Funding
If you cannot afford to pay for care yourself and do not qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, your Local Authority may fund or contribute to your care costs following a needs and financial (means) assessment.
- Triggered by a care needs assessment from the council
- Financial assessment determines how much you contribute
- Capital threshold currently £23,250 (England)
- Care can be provided in your home, a day centre, or a care home
- You may be offered a Direct Payment instead of council-arranged care
Personal Health Budgets
A Personal Health Budget is an amount of NHS money to support your health and wellbeing needs, planned and agreed between you and your local NHS team. It gives you greater flexibility over how your health and care needs are met.
- Available to people receiving NHS Continuing Healthcare
- Can be held as a Direct Payment, a third-party fund, or NHS-notional
- Used for therapies, equipment, personal care, and more
- You create a personalised care and support plan
- Expands your choice and control over your care
How to Access Funded Care
Request a Needs Assessment
Contact your Local Authority or GP to request a care needs assessment. This is free and determines what support you are eligible for.
Understand Your Funding Options
After the assessment you will be told which funding routes apply to your situation — Direct Payment, Local Authority care, or NHS-funded options.
Choose Your Care Provider
Use FindCarers to search for verified providers in your area that match your needs and accept your funding arrangement.
Set Up Your Care Plan
Work with your chosen provider and your funding body to agree a care plan and begin receiving support.
Ready to Find Funded Care?
Browse verified care providers that accept Direct Payments and other funding arrangements.