Council-Funded Care
If your loved one has savings below £23,250, they may qualify for council-funded care. Lancashire County Council will carry out a free needs assessment and a financial (means) assessment to determine eligibility and how much they will contribute towards care costs.
Even if the council agrees to fund care, your loved one can still choose their preferred provider. A direct payment card allows them to select MoralCare rather than being allocated a provider by the council.
To start the process, contact Lancashire County Council's Adult Social Care team. MoralCare can support you through the assessment process and help you understand what to expect.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people aged 65 and over who need help with personal care or supervision due to a physical or mental disability. It is not means-tested - savings and income do not affect eligibility.
- Lower rate (£72.65/week): For those who need help during the day or night
- Higher rate (£108.55/week): For those who need help both day and night, or who are terminally ill
Many families are unaware of this benefit. It can make a significant contribution to the cost of home care visits.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
PIP is available for people aged 16 to 64 who have a long-term physical or mental health condition. It replaces Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for working-age adults. PIP has two components - daily living and mobility - and is paid at either a standard or enhanced rate depending on the level of need.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
NHS Continuing Healthcare is a package of ongoing care arranged and funded by the NHS for adults with complex, ongoing health needs. If your loved one qualifies, the NHS covers the full cost of care - including home care visits.
Eligibility is based on health needs, not financial circumstances. A checklist assessment is carried out first, followed by a full assessment if appropriate. MoralCare works with NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board and can support families through this process.
Pension Credit
Pension Credit tops up weekly income to a minimum level for people over State Pension age. It also unlocks access to other benefits including Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, free NHS dental treatment and the Warm Home Discount. Many eligible people do not claim it - it is worth checking entitlement even if your loved one owns their home.
Other Financial Support
There are a number of additional entitlements worth checking:
- Winter Fuel Payment (£200-£300 annually for those born before a qualifying date)
- Free bus passes from age 60 in Lancashire
- Free TV licence for those aged 75 and over receiving Pension Credit
- Free NHS prescriptions for those aged 60 and over
- Help with travel costs for NHS treatment
MoralCare's Transparent Pricing
MoralCare charges £26.99 for a 50-minute daily visit and £18.99 for a 20-minute daily visit. There are no hidden charges for PPE, petrol, weekends or evenings - what you see is what you pay.
We are happy to help families understand their funding options and navigate the assessment process. Get in touch to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation.