First time arranging care?
You have more rights and support than you might think
Arranging care for the first time is a lot to take in. This page explains what you’re entitled to, the benefits you may be able to claim at 2026/27 rates, and the free helplines and websites that can guide you, none of which cost anything to use.
Your rights
These apply in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have similar rights under their own rules.
A care needs assessment
Anyone can ask their council for a free assessment of the care they need, whatever their income or savings. It’s the starting point for getting help, and it usually takes four to six weeks from asking to assessment. Council numbers for Teesside and Darlington are below.
A financial assessment
After the needs assessment, the council checks your finances (the “means test”). In 2026/27 you pay the full cost if your savings are over £23,250; below £14,250 your savings aren’t counted at all. For care at home, your house is never counted.
A carer’s assessment
If you look after someone, you have your own right to an assessment of the support you need as a carer.
NHS Continuing Healthcare
If care is needed mainly because of a health condition, the NHS may fund it in full. You can ask to be assessed for this.
Reablement after illness or hospital
Short-term support at home to get your confidence and independence back, for example after a fall, an illness or a hospital stay, is free for up to six weeks. Every council in Teesside and Darlington runs a reablement team.
Support to take part
If it would be hard to be involved in your assessment on your own, you have the right to a free independent advocate. Your council must also give you clear information about care and how to pay for it.
Benefits you may be able to claim
Many people miss out on money they’re entitled to. Some of these are paid whatever you have in the bank. Rates are the 2026/27 figures that apply from April 2026.
Attendance Allowance
For people over State Pension age who need help or supervision because of illness or disability. £76.70 or £114.60 a week, paid whatever your savings, and you can spend it on care at home. (Scotland: Pension Age Disability Payment.)
gov.uk/attendance-allowance
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
For people aged 16 up to State Pension age with a long-term health condition or disability. The daily living part is £76.70 or £114.60 a week. (Scotland: Adult Disability Payment.)
gov.uk/pip
Carer’s Allowance
For people caring for someone 35+ hours a week: £86.45 a week if you earn £204 a week or less after tax. You don’t have to live with or be related to them.
gov.uk/carers-allowance
Pension Credit
Tops up weekly income to £238.00 for a single person or £363.25 for a couple, more if you get Attendance Allowance, and opens the door to other help. Worth checking even if you think you won’t qualify.
gov.uk/pension-credit
Council Tax Reduction
You may pay less Council Tax on a low income, or get a discount if someone in the home has a severe mental impairment such as dementia. Ask your council.
NHS-funded Nursing Care
If you’re in a nursing home and need a nurse’s input, the NHS pays £267.68 a week (2026/27) towards it, whatever your savings.
Not sure what you can claim? Use a free benefits calculator
These free, confidential tools check dozens of benefits in a few minutes. Have your income, savings and Council Tax bill to hand.
Your council’s adult social care team
Ring the number for your area and ask for a care needs assessment. It’s free, and you don’t need a referral from a doctor. Each link goes to our guide for that borough, what care costs there and how the council decides what it pays.
Where to get free help
These services are free, confidential and independent. Calls to 0800 and 0808 numbers are free from UK mobiles and landlines.
Benefit rates: GOV.UK Attendance Allowance, PIP rates, Carer’s Allowance, Pension Credit; means-test limits from the DHSC social care charging circular 2026/27; NHS-funded Nursing Care rate from the DHSC announcement, March 2026. Council contact details checked on each council’s website on 27 October 2026, they can change, so please confirm when you call.
Ask a question about care costs or funding
Plain-English answers from our assistant, using the same 2026/27 figures and council details as this site. It gives general guidance, not advice, the council’s free assessment is the final word.
Nothing you type here is stored by us. For anything urgent, call 01642 918142 or your council.