Sorting out how to pay for care can feel overwhelming, especially when a home is involved. You may worry that your house will be taken into account straight away or that you will have to sell it. The good news is that for
care and support provided in your own home, your main residence is usually ignored in the financial assessment. This guide explains how funding works in England, what help may be available, and how to use direct
payments confidently, including when you work with a self
employed Personal Assistant.
We focus on home care in Milton Keynes, Bedford and nearby areas, and signpost where to find local information. We do not provide financial advice, but we can help you feel informed and in control.
Do you have to pay for carers if you own a house?
Owning a home does not automatically mean you must pay the full cost of care. For home care, councils carry out a means test that looks at your income and savings. Your main home is usually disregarded for home
care, so it will not be counted as capital when the council decides what you can afford to pay.
You may still be asked to contribute from income such as pensions or certain benefits, after protected allowances are applied. If your savings are above national thresholds, you may be a self-funder for home care until your capital reduces.
If you move permanently into a care home, your property may be included in the means test, with important exceptions such as a spouse, civil partner, or eligible relative still living in the property. This guide focuses on
support at home where the home is typically ignored.
How savings and property are considered for home care.
Property: Your main residence is generally not counted in the financial assessment for care provided at home. Second homes or rental properties may be included.
Savings and capital: England uses capital thresholds that determine the level of help you receive. If your capital is above the upper threshold, you are likely to pay for your care in full. If it is between the thresholds, a tariff income is applied. If it is below the lower threshold, the council funds more of your care and you contribute from income.
Income: State Pension, occupational pensions, certain benefits, and other income are considered, though you must be left with a minimum income amount to cover day to day living.
Rules can change, and there are detailed exceptions. Always check your local authority’s current guidance or speak to an independent adviser.
What help is available with care costs?
There are several routes to help you manage costs and still receive the support you need.
Local authority assessment: Ask your council for a Care Act needs assessment. If you have eligible needs, they must discuss how those needs can be met and offer a financial assessment for support.
Personal budgets: If you qualify for local authority support, you will receive a personal budget that shows the cost of your eligible care. This can be arranged by the council, taken as a direct payment, or a mix of both.
Direct payments: Money paid into a dedicated account so you can arrange your own support, including hiring a self
employed PA or engaging an agency.
NHS support: If your needs are primarily health related, you may be assessed for NHS Continuing Healthcare or funded nursing care. These are not means tested and can contribute significantly where criteria are met.
Disability and carers benefits: Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, or Carer’s Allowance may help with the extra costs of disability and caring. These benefits sit alongside social care funding.
Top ups can apply if you choose care that costs more than your personal budget allows. For home care, this often looks like adding extra hours, more complex support, or weekend and night visits. The council pays up to the agreed budget, and you or a family member pays the difference as a top up. Make sure top ups are clearly explained in writing.
Direct payments made simple.
Direct payments give you control. You receive funds to arrange care that fits your routines, preferences, and culture. You can: Hire a self employed Personal Assistant or a small team for continuity and flexibility.
Use a managed payroll service if you employ someone directly.
Mix direct payments with some council arranged services.
Your council will set the payment amount, usually based on the most cost effective way to meet your assessed needs. You must keep records showing the money is spent on meeting those needs.
How direct payments work with a self-employed PA
Many families prefer to work with a self-employed PA for one to one support and consistency.
Here is how it typically works:
Status: The PA is responsible for their own tax, NI, and insurance. You do not run payroll for them as an employer would. They invoice you or your direct payment account for agreed hours and tasks.
Checks and standards: You should see evidence of training, DBS, right to work, and insurance. At Hub Care Support, all private carers on our platform are QCAS approved with enhanced DBS checks, insurance,
verified references, and Skills for Care training. This gives you confidence that safety standards are met.
Agreements: Put a simple service agreement in place that covers duties, hours, rates, cancellation terms, holidays, and what happens if needs change. Keep copies for your direct payment records.
Budgeting: Your direct payment should cover eligible hours at a reasonable rate. If you choose extra hours or higher
cost options, you can pay a voluntary top up privately.
Contingency: Plan for sickness and holidays so care is not disrupted. We help families build a small backup network of approved PAs for continuity.
If you need short breaks from caring, you can also arrange respite care at home as part of a flexible plan that fits your budget and routines.
Building a plan that balances needs, preferences, and budget
A good plan starts with your goals. Do you want help with morning routines, safe bathing, medication prompts, companionship, or support to get out to community groups? From there, we map the right mix of visits, tasks, and skills.
Start small, test, and adapt. You can begin with a couple of visits per week and increase as needed.
Prioritise consistency. Seeing the same faces builds trust and reduces anxiety.
Keep it transparent. Agree rates, invoicing, and simple record
keeping so your direct payment audit is straightforward.
Review regularly. Needs change. Your plan should evolve too.
Our local team can match you with trusted PAs for hourly visits or live
in support across Milton Keynes, Bedford, North Buckinghamshire, and nearby towns and villages. Explore our service overview if you want to
understand how we structure support and the checks we complete for every PA.
Local signposts for Milton Keynes and Bedford
Milton Keynes City Council: Search for adult social care, Care Act assessment, and direct payments. Their site explains eligibility, financial assessments, and how to request support.
Bedford Borough Council or Central Bedfordshire Council: Use the adult social care pages to request a needs assessment and learn about direct payments, support planning, and local advice services.
Independent advice: Age UK, Carers UK, and Independent Age offer clear guides on funding, benefits, and carers’ rights. These can sit alongside advice from your council.
If you are unsure where to start, give us a call and we will point you to the right local team and resources.
How Hub Care Support can help
We connect you with experienced, self
employed Personal Assistants who are fully vetted and insured. You get choice and control. We focus on consistent faces, kind support, and care that fits your life.
We can help you:
Prepare for your council assessment with a simple list of needs.
Understand how a personal budget and direct payments work in practice.
Match with one or two PAs who suit your routines, interests, and times of day.
Put the right paperwork in place so your direct payment runs smoothly.
If you are exploring short breaks for a family carer, learn more about respite care at home to see how flexible support can protect everyone’s wellbeing.
Quick checklist
Ask for a Care Act needs assessment from your local council.
Request a financial assessment. For home care, your main residence is usually ignored.
Check eligibility for benefits such as Attendance Allowance.
Decide if you want the council to arrange care, a direct payment, or a mix.
If hiring a self-employed PA, confirm DBS, training, insurance, and references. Use a simple service agreement.
Review your plan every few months and adjust as needs change.
Summary
Owning a house does not mean you must pay for everything yourself when you receive care at home. For home care, your main property is generally not counted in the means test. Savings and income are assessed, and
there are several routes to support, including personal budgets, direct payments, and in some cases NHS funding. Direct payments work well with self-employed PAs when you have the right checks and simple
agreements in place.
We are here to help you explore options, match with caring and qualified PAs, and build a plan that feels right for your family and your budget. If you live in Milton Keynes, Bedford, or nearby, contact us to talk through what
would make the biggest difference at home today.
Internal links included:
respite care at home: