If you or a loved one are considering care support in Kent, one of the most common and stressful questions is: How are we going to pay for it?

Whether you’re looking into care for yourself, a parent, or a family member, understanding the funding process through Kent County Council can be the key to making informed and confident decisions. In this guide, we’ll break everything down step-by-step so you can move forward with clarity — and know where to turn if you need help.

Step 1: It Starts with a Care Needs Assessment

Before anything else, you’ll need a Care Needs Assessment. This is a free evaluation to help determine whether the council can offer support, and if so, what kind.

The assessment will look at:

Your ability to manage daily tasks like washing, cooking, or dressing
Any physical or mental health challenges
What current support you have
Your goals and needs going forward

A trained social care professional from Kent County Council will carry this out, either in person or over the phone.

How to request your assessment:

Phone:Call 03000 41 61 61
Online:Care Needs Assessment – Kent County Council

This is the essential first step in accessing care services — funded or otherwise.

Step 2: Financial Assessment – Will You Need to Pay?

If the Care Needs Assessment shows that you qualify for support, the next step is a Financial Assessment. This means the council will look at your finances to determine whether they can help with the cost.

Financial thresholds in Kent:

Over £23,250 in savings:You’ll be expected to pay the full cost of your care.
Between £14,250 and £23,250:You’ll pay a portion, depending on your financial situation.
Below £14,250:You may qualify for the maximum level of financial support.

The council looks at:

Income (e.g. pensions, benefits)
Capital and savings
Property (if relevant, particularly for residential care)

Details here: How Much You Will Pay for Care and Support

Step 3: Care Options Covered by the Council

Kent County Council provides funding across various care services. What’s available to you will depend on your needs and preferences.

a) Home Care (Non-Residential)

If you’re staying in your home and need support, the council may help pay for:

Carer visits (e.g. help with personal care)
Equipment and adaptations
Support with cooking or medication

More info: Paying for Care and Support

b) Residential and Nursing Care

If you need full-time care in a residential or nursing home, a separate financial assessment will be carried out. If you own your home, its value may be included in the assessment (unless certain exemptions apply — e.g. a spouse still lives there).

Learn more: Paying for Residential Care

Step 4: Direct Payments – Take Control of Your Care

If you’re eligible for council funding, you don’t have to accept the services they arrange. Instead, you can choose to receive a Direct Payment — giving you more flexibility.

With a Direct Payment, you:

Receive money from the council to arrange your own care
Can hire carers or personal assistants you choose
Build a care plan that fits your life

Learn more: Direct Payments – Self Directed Support

Step 5: Deferred Payment Agreements

If you’re moving into a care home but most of your money is tied up in your property, you might be eligible for a Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA).

A DPA allows the council to:

Pay your care home costs now
Reclaim the money later when your house is sold

This gives you time to make thoughtful decisions without the stress of selling your home under pressure.

Full info: Deferred Payments

Step 6: Extra Support You Might Not Know About

Carer’s Assessments

If you care for someone regularly, you have the right to your own Carer’s Assessment. This looks at:

How caring impacts your physical and mental wellbeing
What support you might need (like respite or practical help)
Whether you qualify for financial assistance

Support for Carers

Benefits and Financial Support

Even if you don’t qualify for council funding, you might be entitled to:

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

Check your eligibility: Benefits and Financial Support

Step 7: Don’t Skip Independent Financial Advice

Funding care can be complicated — especially when it involves property, investments, or inheritance. Kent County Council recommends seeking regulated financial advice to help you:

Understand your options
Protect family assets
Plan long-term care with confidence

Independent Financial Advice for Older People

How Care with Confidence Can Help — For Free

At Care with Confidence, we know how confusing and emotional this process can be. That’s why we’re here to help — not just with practical steps, but with compassionate guidance when you need it most.

You can: