When the time comes to arrange care for yourself or someone you love, the last thing you want is confusion around how to pay for it. Whether you’re considering care at home or in a residential setting, Nottinghamshire County Counciloffers support — but navigating the system can be challenging.

That’s why we’ve created this clear, supportive guide. With every step mapped out, you’ll feel confident about what to expect, what you might be entitled to, and how to access the funding that can make all the difference.

Step 1: Start with a Care and Support Assessment

Before exploring financial help, the council needs to understand your needs. That’s why the first step is a Care and Support Assessment. This is a free conversation with a trained social care professional about your:

Ability to manage everyday tasks (e.g. washing, cooking, dressing)
Health conditions or mobility issues
Support system (family, friends, carers)
Emotional and social wellbeing

This assessment helps build a care plan tailored to your lifestyle and forms the foundation for any financial support that follows.

To arrange an assessment:

Call the Customer Service Centreat 0300 500 80 80
Visit: Care and Support in Nottinghamshire

Step 2: Complete a Financial Assessment (Means Test)

If your needs qualify for care support, the council will then carry out a Financial Assessment to determine how much of the care costs they can cover — and how much you’ll need to pay yourself.

Key thresholds:

Savings over £23,250→ You will be expected to pay the full cost of care
Savings between £14,250 and £23,250→ You’ll pay a portion, based on your income and assets
Savings below £14,250→ You may be eligible for maximum support

This assessment looks at your income, savings, and (for residential care) property value.

Full guidance: Paying for Care and Support

Step 3: Understand the Types of Care the Council Can Help With

Nottinghamshire County Council funds several types of care — each with specific criteria.

Home Care (Non-Residential)

If you’re staying in your own home, the council may contribute to:

Daily carer visits
Help with medication, meals, and household tasks
Equipment and adaptations

Your financial contribution is based on your means-tested outcome.

Residential and Nursing Care

If you’re moving into a care or nursing home, a separate financial assessment is done. The council may consider the value of your home unless someone still lives there (like a partner or dependent).

Learn more: Paying for a Care Home

Step 4: Choose Direct Payments if You Want More Control

If you qualify for council support, you don’t have to accept the services they arrange. Instead, you can request a Direct Payment, which means:

You receive the money directly
You choose who provides your care
You manage the care plan and costs yourself

This gives you more flexibility to tailor care around your routines and preferences.

More info: Direct Payments Support Area

Step 5: Consider a Deferred Payment Agreement

If you’re entering residential care but your money is tied up in your home, you might be eligible for a Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA).

This scheme allows the council to:

Pay your care home costs now
Reclaim the costs later (usually when your property is sold)

It’s a helpful option for families who don’t want to sell the home immediately.

Learn more: Paying for a Care Home

Step 6: Additional Help You Might Be Missing

Carer’s Assessments

If someone looks after you regularly, they may be eligible for their own Carer’s Assessment. This ensures they’re supported too — with services like:

Respite breaks
Practical help
Emotional wellbeing support

Info: Care and Support in Nottinghamshire

Benefits and Entitlements

You may also be eligible for additional financial support through:

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

These can ease the financial burden — even if you’re not eligible for full council funding.

Learn more: Paying for Care and Support

Step 7: Independent Financial Advice – Know Your Options

Making decisions about care funding — especially involving property or long-term costs — can be complex. That’s why Nottinghamshire County Council recommends speaking with a regulated financial adviser.

They can help you:

Understand your full range of options
Protect your family’s financial future
Plan for the long term

Explore guidance: Financial Advice and Support

How Care with Confidence Can Help — For Free

At Care with Confidence, we know this journey isn’t just about finances. It’s about family, future planning, and doing what’s right — and that takes support, not stress.

That’s why we’re here to: