When someone you love needs care, the last thing you want to feel is confused and overwhelmed by financial processes and policies. If you live in Cambridgeshire, the good news is that Cambridgeshire County Council offers several routes to access care and support funding—but knowing where to start is key.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps, options, and support systems available to help you fund care services confidently and clearly.

Step 1: Begin With a Care Needs Assessment

The very first step in exploring care funding through the council is a Care Needs Assessment. This free service is available to anyone living in Cambridgeshire who may need help with day-to-day activities such as washing, dressing, preparing meals, or managing medication.

During the assessment, a social care professional will have a conversation with you or your loved one to explore:

What support is needed
Which services may help
What’s already working well
Where there may be risks

You can request this assessment:

By phone: Call Adult Early Help at 0345 045 5202
Or online: Care Needs Assessment

The outcome of this assessment is what determines whether you’re eligible for council-funded care and what kind of help could be arranged.

Step 2: The Financial Assessment – Will You Qualify for Help?

If the Care Needs Assessment shows that you’re eligible for support, the next step is a Financial Assessment (also called a means test). This determines how much, if any, financial help you can get from the council to pay for your care.

Here’s how it works:

Key Financial Thresholds:

Savings over £23,250– You are expected to pay the full cost of your care (self-funding).
Savings between £14,250 and £23,250– You may receive partial funding. The council will contribute based on a sliding scale.
Savings under £14,250– You may qualify for full funding, contributing only from your income.

It’s worth noting that the value of your home may be considered in the financial assessment, depending on whether you’re receiving care at home or moving into a care facility.

Learn more: Paying for Care

Step 3: Types of Care Services Available in Cambridgeshire

Cambridgeshire County Council supports both in-home care and residential or nursing care. The type of care you receive will affect the funding process and any contribution required from you.

Home Care (Non-Residential Services)

If you or a loved one needs support at home (e.g. with personal care or daily living tasks), you may be eligible for support based on your needs and financial situation.

Find out more: Organising Home Care

Residential and Nursing Care

For those who need full-time residential care or nursing services, a separate assessment will be conducted. If you own property, its value may be factored into the funding eligibility, particularly if you’re living alone.

More info: Organising Residential Care

Step 4: Direct Payments – Flexibility in Your Hands

If you’re eligible for council funding, you have the choice to receive it as a Direct Payment. This gives you the freedom to choose your own carers or arrange services that suit your needs — rather than having the council organise care on your behalf.

You’ll receive the funds directly into a designated account, and you manage the budget (with support, if needed).

Explore: Direct Payments for Adults and Older People

Step 5: Individual Service Funds (ISFs)

An Individual Service Fund is a helpful alternative to Direct Payments. With an ISF, you still get choice and control over your care provider—but without the responsibility of managing the money yourself.

The council pays a provider of your choice directly to deliver and manage your care based on your agreed support plan.

Learn more: ISFs in Cambridgeshire

Step 6: Support for Carers and Additional Benefits

If you are a carer supporting a loved one, you may be eligible for a Carer’s Assessment. This assesses your own needs and can lead to financial support, practical help, or respite care.

Helpful links:

Step 7: Getting Advice You Can Trust

Making long-term decisions about care and finances is a big deal. That’s why Cambridgeshire County Council encourages families to seek independent financial advice, especially when things like property or long-term planning are involved.

You can also find useful documents and guides on their Care and Support Information Sheets page.

How Care with Confidence Can Help — for Free

At Care with Confidence, we understand that navigating the care funding journey can feel daunting. That’s why we created this guide — to give you a starting point built on clarity and compassion.

But if you don’t want to read through pages of council documents, you don’t have to. We’re here to help — and we mean that. You can:

Call us after hours — when you’ve finished work or need a private moment
Talk it through over the phone with someone who knows the system
Email us at hello@bigsistercare.com

You’ll never be pressured, rushed, or left wondering what happens next. Whether you’re just starting out or already in the care system and unsure of your rights, we’re your friendly, free support line.

In Summary

If you’re seeking care in Cambridgeshire, here are your key steps: