Understanding the Free Personal Care Allowance in Scotland for 2025
Starting from April 1, 2025, the weekly free personal care allowance for eligible adults in Scotland has been set at £254.60. This rate is part of the updated figures for the 2025-2026 financial year. For those also needing nursing care, an additional weekly allowance of £114.55 is available. The combined total for both personal and nursing care is £369.15 per week. These allowances are paid directly by the local council to the care provider, whether care is provided at home or in a care home.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for free personal care is not based on income or wealth but on a care needs assessment carried out by your local authority's social work department. The scheme, extended by 'Frank's Law', is open to all eligible adults aged 16 or over. For more details, you can refer to {Link: SPICe Spotlight spice-spotlight.scot/2025/09/04/free-personal-and-nursing-care-in-scotland/}.
Services Covered by Personal Care
Personal care includes assistance with various daily living activities as defined by the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002. A care needs assessment will identify which of these services are required. For a comprehensive list of covered services, consult {Link: SPICe Spotlight spice-spotlight.scot/2025/09/04/free-personal-and-nursing-care-in-scotland/}.
Comparison of Care Costs and Funding in Scotland (2025/2026)
For a detailed comparison of what is covered by the allowance for at-home and care home settings, including chargeable costs and relevant rates, see {Link: SPICe Spotlight spice-spotlight.scot/2025/09/04/free-personal-and-nursing-care-in-scotland/}.
Self-directed Support Options
Self-directed Support (SDS) offers individuals greater control over their care arrangements. Information on the different SDS options is available from {Link: SPICe Spotlight spice-spotlight.scot/2025/09/04/free-personal-and-nursing-care-in-scotland/}.
How Free Personal Care Payments Are Made
For care at home, the free personal care payments contribute to the overall care package cost. If additional, non-personal care services are needed (like laundry), a separate financial assessment may be required to determine contributions. For care home residents, the allowance is paid directly to the home by the council. Residents are still responsible for accommodation and living costs. For self-funding residents, this payment helps reduce their weekly fees. More information is available from the Scottish Government on their official guidance.
Key Considerations and Next Steps
Understanding the free personal care allowance is an important step in navigating care options in Scotland. Remember that eligibility and the level of support are determined by a care needs assessment, and payments start from the date care services begin following the assessment – they are not backdated. For those in a care home receiving this payment, it's important to note that Attendance Allowance may cease after 28 days, and the DWP should be informed. To begin, contact your local council to request a care needs assessment and discuss Self-directed Support options. Further details can be found at {Link: SPICe Spotlight spice-spotlight.scot/2025/09/04/free-personal-and-nursing-care-in-scotland/}.
Outbound Link: Scottish Government: Free personal and nursing care
