Key Steps to Funding
- •Request a care needs assessment from Kent County Council
- •Ask about a financial assessment for council support
- •Explore national benefits like Attendance Allowance
- •Consider NHS Continuing Healthcare for complex health needs
Worry about money is one of the main reasons families delay asking for help. The system of funding can feel like a maze, filled with forms and unfamiliar words.
You do not have to be an expert before you start. This guide gives a simple overview of where help may be available for people living in Kent.
Step One: Ask for a Care Assessment
The starting point is usually a care needs assessment from Kent County Council. This is where a social care professional talks to you or your loved one about everyday life, health and the kind of support needed.
The assessment can lead to:
- Advice and information
- Equipment or small home adaptations
- A formal care plan
💡 Important: Even if you think you will be paying privately, an assessment can be very helpful.
Step Two: Ask About a Financial Assessment
After the care assessment, you can request a financial assessment. This looks at income, savings and property to decide whether the council will contribute to care costs.
The outcome might be:
- The council pays all or part of the cost
- You are classed as a self funder but still receive advice and support
💡 Worth checking: Rules do change over time, so it is always worth checking rather than assuming you will not qualify.
National Benefits That May Help
Your loved one may also be entitled to benefits that can be used towards care at home. For example:
- Attendance Allowance for people over State Pension age with care needs
- Personal Independence Payment for people aged between 16 and State Pension age
- Carer's Allowance for someone providing regular unpaid care
💡 Good to know: These are not means tested in the same way as council funding, so they can help even if you do not qualify for local authority support.
NHS Continuing Healthcare
In some cases, people with complex health needs may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare. This is funding arranged and paid for by the NHS. It is based on health needs, not finances.
This assessment is separate from the council process and can feel quite detailed. If you think this may apply to your loved one, we can talk you through what it involves.
You Do Not Have to Do This Alone
The funding system can feel overwhelming when you are already worried about a loved one. At Rehoboth Haven we regularly guide Kent families through the first steps, explaining things in everyday language and pointing you towards trustworthy sources of advice.
If you are unsure where to begin with funding in home care, contact Rehoboth Haven. We cannot make decisions for the council or the NHS, but we can stand alongside you, help you prepare for assessments and design a care package that works within your budget.