Navigating the world of adult social care can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re trying to figure out what help is available and how much it will cost. Whether you’re planning ahead for a loved one or urgently need care now, understanding what Durham County Council can offer is the first step to feeling more in control.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the essential steps for accessing council funding for care in County Durham, including who qualifies, how much help you might receive, and what support services are available.

Step 1: Get a Care Needs Assessment

Before any financial support can be discussed, the council needs to understand what kind of help you or your loved one needs. This is done through a Care Needs Assessment, and it’s free of charge.

The assessment looks at your daily routines and challenges — for example:

Are you able to cook meals, wash yourself, or move around safely?
Do you need help with medication, transport, or managing appointments?
Is your health condition affecting your independence or safety?

This assessment is the starting point for accessing all forms of care — and even if you’re not eligible for council-funded support, it can still help identify services or community resources that can make life easier.

How to Request an Assessment:

Call Social Care Directat 03000 267 979
Or visit: Get your care needs assessed

Step 2: The Financial Assessment – What Will You Pay?

Once the council confirms that you need care, the next step is a Financial Assessment (sometimes called a means test). This will determine whether the council will contribute to the cost of your care, and how much you’ll need to pay.

Here’s how it works:

Key Thresholds:

Savings over £23,250– You’ll need to pay the full cost of your care (self-funding).
Savings between £14,250 and £23,250– You’ll contribute a proportion of the costs, depending on your income.
Savings below £14,250– You may be eligible for the maximum financial support, contributing only from your regular income.

The council considers both your savings and income (such as pensions, benefits, or investments) when making their decision.

More info: Paying for care and support

Step 3: Types of Care Services and Associated Costs

Durham County Council offers a variety of care services based on your needs. The funding you receive will be tailored to the type of care that suits your lifestyle and support requirements.

Home Care (Non-Residential Services)

If you’re receiving care in your own home — for example, help with personal care or household tasks — you may be charged a contribution based on your financial situation.

Maximum weekly charge: £582.00

Details: Paying for non-residential services

Residential and Nursing Care

If you require full-time care in a residential or nursing home, a different financial assessment applies. If you own a property, the value of your home may be included in the calculation unless someone such as a spouse or partner still lives there.

More info: Paying for residential and nursing care

Step 4: Deferred Payment Agreements (DPA)

For many families, the biggest worry is, “Will I have to sell my home to pay for care?”

The good news is that Durham County Council offers a Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA), which allows you to:

Delay selling your property to cover care costs
Have the council pay the fees upfront
Repay the amount later (usually when the home is sold)

This scheme can offer peace of mind, especially for individuals transitioning into care homes who wish to keep their property for a period of time.

Learn more: Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA)

Step 5: Direct Payments – Take Control of Your Support

If you’re eligible for council funding, you don’t have to let the council arrange your care. Instead, you can choose to receive the money through a Direct Payment — giving you the flexibility to:

Choose your own carers
Hire a personal assistant
Buy services that match your personal lifestyle

This is a great option if you want more control over who supports you and how that support is delivered.

Find out more: How to get direct payments

Step 6: Don’t Miss Out on Additional Support

Carer’s Allowance

If you or someone you know is providing regular, unpaid care to a loved one, they may be entitled to Carer’s Allowanceor other forms of financial support.

Check: Benefits for carers

Welfare Assistance Scheme

This scheme provides short-term help for those facing immediate financial hardship or those who need support to live independently.

Whether you need help with essentials like food, fuel, or furniture, you may qualify for assistance.

More info: Welfare Assistance

Step 7: Get Expert Advice — It’s Worth It

When it comes to care, the decisions you make today can affect your finances, wellbeing, and future stability. That’s why it’s always wise to seek independent financial advice — particularly if your situation involves property, inheritance planning, or multiple family members.

You can find trusted professionals via the council’s Locate directory, which lists local financial advisors and care planning experts.

How Care with Confidence Can Help — for Free

At Care with Confidence, we know how overwhelming this can all feel. You’re not just trying to work out finances — you’re balancing the emotional weight of seeing a loved one needing more support.

That’s why we’re here.

You can:

Call us after hours — we’re here when the house is quiet and you have time to talk
Get your questions answered with warmth, clarity, and zero pressure
Ask us anything — from funding queries to choosing a care provider

hello@bigsistercare.com
www.bigsistercare.com

In Summary: What to Do Next

Here’s your checklist to get started: