Navigating the world of care funding can feel confusing — especially when you’re trying to support someone you love. The good news? Staffordshire County Council offers a clear pathway to help residents access and fund care, whether at home or in a residential setting.

This blog will walk you through the process step by step — from your first assessment to financial options like Direct Payments and Deferred Payment Agreements — so you can move forward with confidence.

Step 1: Book a Care and Support Assessment

Your journey starts with a Care and Support Assessment — a free conversation with a social care professional to understand your daily living needs and challenges.

The assessment explores:

What tasks you need help with (e.g. washing, eating, taking medication)
Any health conditions or mobility issues
Your current support network (family, carers, neighbours)
Risks in your current living situation

This assessment is the gateway to any funded support, so don’t skip it.

How to arrange your assessment:

Call Staffordshire Careson 0300 111 8010

Step 2: Complete a Financial Assessment (Means Test)

Once your care needs are identified, the council will carry out a Financial Assessment to decide what they can fund — and what you’ll need to contribute.

Financial thresholds:

Savings over £23,250– You’ll pay for all your care (self-funding)
Savings between £14,250 and £23,250– You’ll contribute part of the costs
Savings under £14,250– You may qualify for maximum council support, contributing only from your income

More info: Adult Social Care Fees and Charges

Step 3: What Type of Care Can Be Funded?

a) Home Care (Non-Residential)

If you’re staying in your own home, Staffordshire County Council can help fund:

Personal care and daily support
Medication management
Domestic tasks or meal preparation
Equipment and minor home adaptations

Learn more: Funding the Cost of Care and Support

b) Residential and Nursing Care

If you move into a care or nursing home, the council will assess your income, savings, and the value of your property.

If you own your home, it may be counted in your financial assessment — unless a partner, dependent, or qualifying relative still lives there.

More info: How We Calculate Your Contribution

Step 4: Direct Payments – Take Control of Your Care

If you’re eligible for support, you can choose to receive a Direct Payment — giving you the power to organise your own care.

With Direct Payments, you:

Receive funds directly from the council
Choose your own carers or agencies
Tailor your care schedule to fit your life

It’s perfect if you want flexibility and autonomy.

Learn more: Direct Payments Overview

Step 5: Deferred Payment Agreements – Delay Selling Your Home

If you need residential care but don’t want to sell your home right away, a Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA) could help.

Here’s how it works:

The council pays your care fees now
You repay them later, usually when your home is sold

It gives you time to make thoughtful decisions about your property and finances.

More info: Funding the Cost of Care and Support

Step 6: Additional Support You Might Be Missing

Carer’s Assessments

If someone regularly helps you (unpaid), they may qualify for a Carer’s Assessment — which could lead to:

Respite care
Emotional or mental health support
Practical tools or training

Explore: Your Social Care Journey Explained

Benefits You May Be Entitled To

You or your carer may also qualify for:

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

Learn more: Funding the Cost of Care

Step 7: Get Independent Financial Advice

When care involves property or long-term planning, independent financial advice can be invaluable.

An accredited financial adviser can help you:

Plan for care costs over time
Understand deferred payments and equity release
Protect your family’s finances and assets

Advice hub: Funding the Cost of Care

How Care with Confidence Can Help — For Free

At Care with Confidence, we know that care funding can feel like a maze — especially when you’re juggling the emotional weight of care planning too.

That’s why we’re here to help:

Call us after hours — we know that’s often the only time you get a moment to breathe
Let us walk you through the forms, the fees, and the fine print
Or just talk to someone who understands what you’re going through

Email: hello@bigsistercare.com
Visit: www.bigsistercare.com

In Summary: Your Staffordshire Care Funding Checklist