When someone you love needs care, navigating the system can feel like a full-time job. If you’re not sure where to begin, you’re not alone. But the good news is that North Yorkshire Council offers support to help cover the cost of care — you just need to know how to access it.

Whether you’re planning care at home, considering a care home, or just exploring your options, this guide gives you a clear path forward.

Step 1: It All Starts with a Care Needs Assessment

Before any financial support can be offered, the council needs to understand your situation. That’s why the first step is a Care Needs Assessment — a free review of your current needs and how well you’re managing day-to-day tasks.

A trained professional will discuss:

What help you need (e.g. personal care, mobility, safety)
What you’re already doing to stay independent
Any health concerns or risks
What support would improve your quality of life

How to request a Care Needs Assessment:

Online:Visit North Yorkshire Council’s Social Care for Adults
Phone:Call the Customer Service Centre on 01609 780780

This assessment lays the groundwork for accessing care services — funded or otherwise.

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

Once your care needs are confirmed, the council will conduct a Financial Assessment (also known as a means test). This determines whether the council will contribute to your care and how much you might need to pay.

Key thresholds:

Savings over £23,250:You will pay for all of your care (self-funding).
Savings below £23,250:You may qualify for full or partial financial support.

The council will take into account:

Your income (e.g. pensions, benefits)
Any savings and investments
The value of your home (for residential care only)

For full details, visit the Paying for Social Care page.

Step 3: What Types of Care Can Be Funded?

Home Care (Non-Residential)

If you’re staying in your home, the council may fund services like:

Personal care
Help with meals, cleaning, or medication
Equipment or home adaptations

Your financial contribution will depend on the outcome of your means test.

Residential and Nursing Care

If full-time care is needed, North Yorkshire Council will conduct a residential care financial assessment. If you own a home, its value may be considered — unless your partner or a close relative still lives there.

Details: Paying for Residential Care

Step 4: Direct Payments – Your Budget, Your Choice

If you’re eligible for council support, you can choose to receive a Direct Payment — giving you more control over how your care is arranged.

With Direct Payments:

The council gives you the money directly
You choose your carers or personal assistants
You manage the budget and care delivery

Learn more: Direct Payments and Personal Budgets

Step 5: Deferred Payment Agreements – Keep Your Home (For Now)

If your wealth is mainly tied up in your home, and you’re moving into a care home, you may be eligible for a Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA).

A DPA allows you to:

Delay selling your property
Let the council pay your care costs now
Repay them later (usually when the house is sold)

This is a useful solution for families who need time to make thoughtful financial decisions.

Info: Deferred Payments – Paying for Social Care

Step 6: Additional Support You Might Not Know About

Carer’s Assessments

If someone provides regular, unpaid care for you, they may be entitled to a Carer’s Assessment. This helps them access:

Practical support or training
Emotional wellbeing services
Respite care
Financial support

Visit: Social Care for Adults

Benefits and Financial Help

You may be entitled to claim benefits such as:

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

These can help you manage costs — even if you don’t qualify for full council funding.

Guidance: Paying for Social Care

Step 7: Get Independent Financial Advice

Funding care is a major decision, often involving long-term planning and property considerations. That’s why North Yorkshire Council recommends seeking regulated financial advice from a specialist adviser.

This can help with: