If you or a loved one are beginning the journey into receiving care, it’s natural to feel uncertain — especially when it comes to funding. You may be asking yourself: How much will we need to pay? Will the council help? Where do we begin?

The good news is that Lincolnshire County Council provides funding support for those who need care — whether at home or in a residential setting. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, so you can make decisions with confidence.

Step 1: Care Needs Assessment – Understanding What You Need

Before any financial assistance can be offered, you’ll need to book a Care Needs Assessment with the council. This is a free evaluation of your daily living needs carried out by a social care professional.

They’ll look at:

What help you need day-to-day (e.g. personal care, mobility, safety)
Any risks or concerns you or your family have
What support is already in place

The aim is to ensure your care plan is tailored to your individual needs — whether you’re living independently, with family, or considering residential care.

How to request an assessment:

Phone:Call the Customer Service Centre on 01522 782155
Online:Visit Adult Social Care – Lincolnshire

Step 2: Financial Assessment – Will the Council Help Cover Costs?

Once your care needs are assessed and support is recommended, the council will carry out a Financial Assessment (means test). This determines how much you’ll be expected to contribute toward the cost of your care.

Key thresholds:

Savings over £23,250:You’ll pay the full cost of your care (self-funding).
Savings between £14,250 and £23,250:You’ll contribute a portion of the costs.
Savings below £14,250:You may qualify for maximum support, paying only from your income.

This assessment includes your income, savings, and (if you’re moving into a care home) the value of your property.

Full guidance: Paying for Care – Lincolnshire

Step 3: Care Services That Can Be Funded

Lincolnshire County Council supports a variety of care types, depending on your situation and assessment.

a) Home Care (Non-Residential)

If you choose to remain at home, you may receive council-funded help with:

Personal hygiene
Household tasks
Medication reminders
Meals and nutrition

Your financial contribution will depend on your means test.

More info: Paying for Care at Home

b) Residential and Nursing Care

If you require full-time residential or nursing care, a different assessment applies. If you own property, it may be considered as part of your capital — unless a spouse or dependent still lives in your home.

More info: Paying for Residential Care

Step 4: Direct Payments – Your Budget, Your Choice

If you’re eligible for financial support, Lincolnshire County Council offers Direct Payments, giving you control over how your care is delivered.

Instead of having the council arrange everything, you’ll receive the funding directly and can:

Hire your own carers or personal assistants
Choose the times and providers that suit you
Mix formal support with family help

Learn more: Personal Budgets & Direct Payments

Step 5: Deferred Payment Agreements – No Need to Sell Your Home Right Away

Worried about selling your home to pay for care? You may be eligible for a Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA).

This means:

The council pays your care costs upfront
You repay them later (typically when your property is sold)

It’s a practical solution that gives families peace of mind and more time to plan.

More info: Deferred Payment Agreements – Lincolnshire

Step 6: Additional Support You Might Not Know About

Carer’s Assessments

If someone provides regular unpaid care for you, they may be eligible for their own Carer’s Assessment. This helps ensure they receive the support they need too — including:

Respite breaks
Emotional support
Equipment and practical help

Learn more: Support for Carers

Benefits and Extra Help

You or your carer may also qualify for benefits like:

Attendance Allowance
Carer’s Allowance
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Pension Credit

These can help cover day-to-day costs, even if you’re self-funding your care.

For benefit support: Connect to Support Lincolnshire

Step 7: Get Independent Financial Advice

Funding care is a big decision — often involving savings, property, and inheritance. That’s why Lincolnshire County Council recommends you speak to a regulated financial adviser who understands care planning.

They can help with:

Deferred payment options
Equity release
Wills and future planning

Advice links: Paying for Care – Lincolnshire

How Care with Confidence Can Help — For Free

At Care with Confidence, we know that understanding care funding can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re already dealing with emotional, practical, and time-sensitive pressures.

That’s why we’re here. We offer: