To see if you qualify, your local council will perform a free needs assessment to determine how much help you need.

If you need care, they'll then conduct a financial assessment, also known as a means test, to determine how much you'll pay.

The means test will consider your income and capital, and may determine that: 

• The council pays the maximum amount and you pay a contribution 
• The council pays a smaller portion and you pay the rest 
• You pay the full cost 

If your savings fall below the upper capital limit, which is £23,250 in England and Northern Ireland, you can contact your local council about three months before you think your savings will drop.

They can reassess your finances and provide funding from the date you contact them. You won't be reimbursed if your savings are below the limit before you contact them.

Other sources of funding include: 

Funded Nursing Care (FNC)

The NHS pays a flat rate contribution directly to the care home towards the cost of nursing care. In England, the rates are £235.88 for the standard rate and £324.50 for the higher rate. 

Pension Credit

This is for people of state pension age who have a weekly income below a certain amount. If you move into a care home, your eligibility for Pension Credit is calculated the same as if you were living at home