If you’re navigating care for yourself or a loved one in Lancashire, one of the biggest and most immediate questions is: How do we pay for it? Whether you’re exploring home care, residential services, or a combination of both, knowing what help is available — and how to access it — is essential.
This guide explains how Lancashire County Council can help fund care services, from assessments and contributions to direct payments and independent advice. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to approach the process with clarity and confidence.
Step 1: Get a Free Care Needs Assessment
Before any financial help is offered, the council must understand your care needs. This begins with a Care Needs Assessment, which is free to all residents of Lancashire.
This assessment is conducted by a trained adult social care professional, who will explore:
- Your daily living challenges (e.g. dressing, cooking, or bathing)
- The type of help you currently receive
- What support services might make life easier
The assessment ensures you receive the right support for your unique situation.
How to request an assessment:
- Online:Getting Our Support – Lancashire County Council
- Phone:Call 0300 123 6720
Step 2: Financial Assessment – How Much Will You Pay?
If you’re eligible for support, you’ll be asked to complete a Financial Assessment (also known as a means test). This helps the council determine how much of the care costs they’ll cover, and how much you’ll be asked to contribute.
Financial thresholds in Lancashire:
- Savings over £23,250→ You’ll pay the full cost of your care.
- Savings between £14,250 and £23,250→ You’ll contribute based on your financial situation.
- Savings below £14,250→ You may be eligible for maximum support, paying only from your income.
The council takes into account:
- Your income (pensions, benefits)
- Your savings, investments, and assets
- In some cases, the value of your home (for residential care)
Full details: Financial Assessment – Lancashire County Council
Step 3: What Type of Care Can Be Funded?
Lancashire County Council offers support across different types of care services. Each has slightly different funding rules.
- a) Home Care (Non-Residential)
If you want to remain at home but need help with daily tasks, the council may cover services such as:
- Personal care and hygiene support
- Medication assistance
- Meal preparation and cleaning
Read more: Non-Residential Care Costs
- b) Residential and Nursing Care
If you need full-time support in a residential or nursing home, the council will conduct a property-inclusive financial assessment. If you own a home, its value may be considered — unless someone like a spouse or dependent still lives there.
Details: Residential Care Funding
Step 4: Choose Direct Payments for More Control
If you qualify for funding, you can receive the money as a Direct Payment. This puts you in charge of arranging your own care — perfect if you want flexibility and control.
With Direct Payments, you can:
- Hire your own carers or personal assistants
- Choose when and how support is delivered
- Tailor your care to suit your lifestyle
Learn more: Direct Payments – Lancashire
Step 5: Consider a Deferred Payment Agreement
Worried about selling your home to pay for care? Lancashire offers Deferred Payment Agreements (DPAs) that allow you to delay repayment until your home is sold — usually after you’ve moved into long-term care.
This option is ideal if:
- Your main asset is your home
- You don’t want to sell it immediately
- You qualify under the council’s eligibility criteria
More info: Deferred Payment Scheme
Step 6: Don’t Miss Additional Support
Carer’s Assessments
If someone provides regular unpaid care for you, they may be eligible for their own Carer’s Assessment. This ensures they get support too — such as respite care, emotional support, or practical help.
Details: Getting Our Support – Carers
Benefits and Extra Help
You may also be entitled to other financial support, such as:
- Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Pension Credit
Check here: Independent Financial Advice
Step 7: Get Independent Financial Advice
Making long-term decisions about care, housing, and assets can be difficult. That’s why it’s strongly recommended to speak to a regulated financial adviser.
They can help you:
- Understand your funding options
- Plan for future costs
- Protect your family’s financial wellbeing
Resources: Funding Your Care and Support Needs
How Care with Confidence Can Help — For Free
We know how hard this can feel. Between the paperwork, the waiting times, and the emotional stress — it’s a lot to manage. That’s why Care with Confidence is here to walk this journey with you.
Whether you’re right at the start or already knee-deep in assessments and decisions, we offer:
- Calm, clear advice without the jargon
- Support outside standard hours — for when the house is finally quiet
- Real human conversations that make complex things simple
hello@bigsistercare.com
www.bigsistercare.com
We can talk things through, help you ask the right questions, or just be a reassuring voice during a stressful time.
In Summary: Your Lancashire Care Funding Checklist
- Download Guide
- Request a Care Needs Assessment
- Complete your Financial Assessment
- Choose between home care or residential care
- Explore Direct Paymentsfor flexibility
- Ask about the Deferred Payment Agreement
- Ensure your carer gets a Carer’s Assessment
- Look into benefits and financial support
- Get independent financial advice
- Reach out to Care with Confidencefor tailored guidance
No matter what stage you’re at, we’re here to help you move forward — with clarity, reassurance, and confidence.
