When the time comes to organise care for yourself or a loved one, it’s natural to feel uncertain — especially when it comes to understanding how to pay for it. That’s where this guide comes in.
If you live in Hertfordshire, the good news is that support is available. But knowing where to start — and who to ask — can make all the difference. This blog breaks down the care funding process with Hertfordshire County Council, helping you feel clear, empowered, and confident in the steps ahead.
Step 1: Care Needs Assessment – The Essential First Step
Before you can access financial support for care, the council needs to understand your situation. That’s why your journey begins with a Care Needs Assessment.
This is a free and confidential discussion with a social care professional who will ask about:
- Your health and mobility
- Day-to-day activities (e.g. washing, dressing, cooking)
- Your safety and wellbeing
- Any support already in place
The aim is to get a full picture of your needs, preferences, and goals — and to create a personalised care and support plan.
How to request an assessment:
- Phone:Call Adult Social Services on 0300 123 4042
- Online:Adult Care – How to Get Care and Support
This is your gateway to council-funded care — and you can request it for yourself or on behalf of someone else.
Step 2: Financial Assessment – What Will You Pay?
If your care needs assessment shows that you’re eligible for support, the next step is a Financial Assessment (Means Test). This will determine how much you’ll be expected to contribute toward your care, and how much the council can fund.
Financial thresholds in Hertfordshire:
- Savings over £23,250→ You will pay the full cost of your care.
- Savings below £23,250→ You may be eligible for council support, based on income and capital.
The assessment considers:
- Your savings and assets
- Your income
- Any disability-related expensesyou might have
Learn more: Arranging and Paying for Care
Step 3: Understanding Your Care Options
Home Care (Non-Residential)
If you’re staying in your own home, the council may help you pay for care services like:
- Help with personal hygiene
- Medication support
- Domestic tasks or meal preparation
Your financial contribution will be calculated following the means test.
Residential and Nursing Care
If you’re moving into a care home, the council will carry out a separate financial assessment. If you own a home, its value may be taken into account — unless a partner or dependent relative still lives there.
More information: Charging for Adult Residential Care Policy (PDF)
Step 4: Direct Payments – More Freedom, More Control
If you’re eligible for council funding, you can choose to receive Direct Payments instead of having services arranged for you.
This gives you the flexibility to:
- Hire your own carers or personal assistants
- Choose agencies you trust
- Plan support around your lifestyle and routines
The money is paid directly to you (or a nominated person) and must be used to meet your assessed care needs.
Learn more: Direct Payments for Adults
Step 5: Deferred Payment Agreements
If you need to move into residential care but most of your wealth is tied up in property, you may be eligible for a Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA).
This scheme allows you to:
- Delay selling your home
- Let the council pay your care home fees
- Repay the council later (usually when your home is sold)
DPAs are helpful when families want time to make big decisions about property or inheritance.
More info: Deferred Payments
Step 6: Extra Support You Might Not Know About
Carer’s Assessments
If you look after someone regularly, you may be eligible for your own Carer’s Assessment. This identifies how caring affects your health, work, and wellbeing — and what support you may need.
Start here: Adult Care – How to Get Care and Support
Benefits and Financial Advice
You may also be entitled to financial support through benefits like:
- Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Pension Credit
Visit: Money Advice Tool – Hertfordshire
Step 7: Independent Financial Advice
Making decisions about care funding — especially if property is involved — can feel daunting. That’s why Hertfordshire County Council recommends speaking to a regulated financial adviser who specialises in care planning.
Explore more here: Advice if You’re Paying for Your Own Care
How Care with Confidence Can Help — For Free
We know this isn’t just paperwork — it’s personal.
That’s why Care with Confidence is here to walk this path with you. Whether you’re just getting started, or feeling overwhelmed in the middle of the process, we offer:
- One-to-one phone support — even out of hours
- Help with understanding council forms, assessments, and funding
- Reassurance, clarity, and real-life advice
Email: hello@bigsistercare.com
Visit: www.bigsistercare.com
In Summary: Your Hertfordshire Checklist
- Download Guide
- Book a Care Needs Assessment
- Complete a Financial Assessment
- Understand your care options (home vs residential)
- Explore Direct Paymentsif you want more choice
- Ask about Deferred Payment Agreements
- Apply for a Carer’s Assessmentif you’re supporting someone
- Review potential benefits and entitlements
- Speak to Care with Confidencefor guidance at any point
You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s move forward — with care, clarity, and confidence.
