Starting the journey into adult social care can feel daunting, especially when finances are involved. Whether you’re exploring care options for yourself or someone you love, understanding the support available from Derbyshire County Council is the first step to making confident, informed decisions.

This guide breaks down the process of funding care in Derbyshire, outlining the key assessments, thresholds, and choices available so that you know where to begin — and who to turn to for help.

Step 1: Begin With a Care Needs Assessment

Before any financial support can be offered, the council needs to understand what kind of care is required. This starts with a Care Needs Assessment, which is free and available to any adult who may need help with daily living.

During the assessment, a social care professional will talk to you (or your loved one) about:

What is important to and for you
What daily tasks you can manage independently
The support you need to stay safe and well
Your future goals and preferences

This is a personal, holistic conversation designed to help shape the right support plan.

How to request an assessment:

Call Call Derbyshireon 01629 533190
Or visit: Your Assessment of Need for Care and Support

Step 2: Financial Assessment – What Will You Pay?

If you’re eligible for care and support, the next step is a Financial Assessment, also known as a means test. This determines how much of the cost you’ll need to contribute based on your income, assets, and savings.

Key thresholds to know:

Savings over £23,250→ You’ll need to 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 under £14,250→ You may qualify for maximum financial support, contributing only from your income.

Full details here: Paying for Care in Derbyshire

Step 3: Types of Care and What They Cost

Derbyshire County Council supports a variety of care types, and the way funding works depends on which services you need.

a) Community or Home Care (Non-Residential)

If you’re receiving help at home (e.g., personal care, meal support, or home visits), your financial assessment will determine how much you contribute.

More info: Paying for Community Care

b) Residential and Nursing Care

If you’re moving into a care or nursing home, a separate financial assessment is conducted. If you own property, its value may be considered in your funding eligibility unless your spouse or another dependent still lives in the home.

Learn more: Paying for Residential Care

Step 4: Direct Payments – Your Budget, Your Choice

If you’re eligible for council support, you can choose how that care is delivered — and by whom.

One flexible option is to receive Direct Payments, which means the council provides you with the funds, and you arrange the care yourself. This lets you:

Hire your own carers
Choose care providers that suit your lifestyle
Mix informal and formal support

You’ll need to keep records of how the money is spent, but it gives you far more freedom and control.

Find out more: Direct Payments in Derbyshire

Step 5: Don’t Forget Support for Carers

Caring for someone can be rewarding but also exhausting. If you’re an unpaid carer — whether a partner, child, friend, or neighbour — you may be eligible for a Carer’s Assessment.

This can provide:

Practical help
Access to respite services
Financial support
Advice and signposting

Start here: Carers Assessments in Derbyshire

Step 6: Additional Financial Help and Advice

Welfare Rights Service

You may be entitled to benefits you’re not currently claiming. Derbyshire’s Welfare Rights Service can help you:

Identify which benefits you’re eligible for
Maximise your income
Get support with forms and applications

Call: 01629 531535 (11am–4pm, Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri)
Email: welfarebenefits@derbyshire.gov.uk

Step 7: Get Independent Financial Advice

Making decisions about paying for care — especially if property or long-term planning is involved — can be complex. That’s why the council recommends seeking independent financial advice from a regulated adviser.

You can also explore options and find local services on their guide to Choosing and Buying Services.

How Care with Confidence Can Help — For Free

We know this can feel like a lot. Between the emotional toll and the endless paperwork, it’s easy to feel stuck or unsure. That’s why Care with Confidence exists.

We provide: