If you’re exploring care options for yourself or a loved one in Shropshire, you’re likely wondering: How do we pay for it? What help is available? Where do we start?

The good news is that Shropshire County Council offers financial support for care, whether it’s in your home or a care facility. This guide will walk you through the steps to access that support, understand your options, and get the help you deserve — all in clear, everyday language.

Step 1: Start with a Care Needs Assessment

Every journey into council-supported care begins with a Care Needs Assessment. It’s a free conversation with a trained adult social care professional who will explore:

What help you need day to day (e.g. dressing, preparing meals)
Whether you’re safe and managing at home
What care is already in place and what’s missing

This is your gateway to everything — from services to funding.

How to book your assessment:

Call the First Point of Contact teamon 0345 678 9044

Once the council understands your needs, they’ll recommend support options and guide you to the next step — the financial assessment.

Step 2: Financial Assessment – What Will You Pay?

If you’re eligible for support, the council will carry out a Financial Assessment (means test) to determine what you’ll need to pay and what they can help cover.

Key thresholds:

Savings over £23,250– You’ll be expected to pay the full cost of care.
Savings between £14,250 and £23,250– You’ll contribute based on a sliding scale.
Savings under £14,250– You may be eligible for maximum financial support, with contributions based only on income.

This applies whether your care is at home or in a care home, although the rules differ slightly depending on the setting.

For full details: Having a Financial Assessment – Shropshire Council

Step 3: What Types of Care Can Be Funded?

a) Home Care (Non-Residential Services)

If you live at home and need support, the council can help with:

Daily visits from carers
Help with personal care, medications, and meals
Equipment and home adaptations

Your contribution is based on your financial situation.

Learn more: Money Matters – Shropshire Choices

b) Residential and Nursing Care

If you move into a care home or nursing facility, a separate financial assessment will apply. If you own your home, it may be included in your financial assessment — unless someone like a spouse or partner still lives there.

For details: Charging & Financial Assessment Policy for Residential Care

Step 4: Direct Payments – More Freedom to Choose

If you qualify for council support, you don’t have to accept services arranged by the council. Instead, you can receive Direct Payments.

This means:

You receive funds directly into a special account
You choose who provides your care
You manage your care in a way that suits you

This is perfect for people who want control over when, how, and by whom their care is delivered.

Find out more: Direct Payments in Adult Social Care

Step 5: Deferred Payment Agreements – Delay Selling Your Home

If most of your money is tied up in your property, and you’re moving into a care home, you might be eligible for a Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA).

Here’s how it works:

The council pays your care home fees upfront
You repay the amount later, usually when your home is sold

This means you can get the care you need without rushing into a home sale.

More info: Shropshire’s Residential Care Charging Policy

Step 6: Extra Help You Might Not Know About

Carer’s Assessments

If someone helps care for you regularly — like a partner, child, or friend — they’re entitled to a Carer’s Assessment of their own.

This could lead to:

Respite breaks
Emotional support
Practical help or training
Financial support

Learn more: Adult Social Care – Shropshire Council

Benefits You May Be Missing

Even if you don’t qualify for full council support, you may be eligible for:

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

Advice available: Money Matters – Shropshire Choices

Step 7: Get Independent Financial Advice – Plan with Confidence

Making decisions about long-term care — especially when it involves your home, savings, or inheritance — can feel overwhelming. That’s why Shropshire Council strongly recommends seeking regulated, independent financial advice.

A qualified financial adviser can help you:

Understand your full range of funding options
Plan for the future without risking your financial security
Explore things like equity release, wills, power of attorney, and deferred payments
Protect your family’s financial interests while ensuring you get the care you need

These conversations can make a massive difference — especially if you’re navigating this alongside adult children, family property, or inheritance planning.

You can ask the council for a list of accredited advisers, or visit sites like MoneyHelper to search for one near you.

For more guidance: Shropshire Adult Social Care

In Summary: Your Shropshire Care Funding Checklist

Download Guide
Book a Care Needs Assessment
Complete a Financial Assessment
Decide on your care path: home care or residential
Choose Direct Paymentsif you want control
Explore the Deferred Payment Agreementif you own property
Make sure your carer gets a Carer’s Assessment
Look into benefits and entitlements
Get independent financial advice
Reach out to Care with Confidenceanytime

Final Thoughts

Making care decisions — especially when money, property, and emotions are involved — is never easy. But you don’t have to navigate it alone. With the right support, information, and a calm helping hand, you can feel confident about every step you take.

Care with Confidence is here to guide you through it — with clarity, compassion, and confidence.