Who is responsible for paying for respite care?
In the UK, payment for respite care can come from several sources, with the primary determinants being the cared-for person's care needs and financial means. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and a combination of assessments are required to identify which funding route is most appropriate.
Local authority funding
Your local council is the first point of contact for arranging and funding respite care. This process involves two key stages:
- Needs Assessment: This evaluates the care and support needs of the person being cared for.
- Carer's Assessment: This assesses the needs of the unpaid carer to determine what support, including respite, is required to help them continue their caring role.
If these assessments indicate a need for respite care, the council will then conduct a financial assessment (also known as a means test). This assessment examines the cared-for person's income and capital to determine how much, if anything, they should contribute towards the cost of care. If the person is eligible for council support, they may receive a personal budget or direct payments, giving them flexibility to arrange their own care.
NHS continuing healthcare (CHC)
For individuals with complex, long-term health needs, the NHS may cover the full cost of their care, including respite. Eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is determined by a detailed assessment of an individual's primary health needs. If their primary need is health-related rather than social care-related, the NHS is responsible for the funding.
Charitable grants and organisations
If you do not qualify for local authority or NHS funding, or need additional financial support, numerous charities and organisations offer grants for respite care. These grants are non-repayable and can significantly reduce the financial burden on families.
Examples of UK charities providing grants include:
- Carers Trust: Offers grants to carers who need a break.
- Turn2us: A free online service that helps individuals find grants and financial support.
- The Respite Association: Provides funding for qualified respite care services for carers of disabled, chronically ill, or elderly individuals.
- Revitalise: Offers grants to help with the cost of respite holidays.
- The Florence Nightingale Aid in Sickness Trust: Provides grants for recuperative and respite care.
Self-funding respite care
If the financial assessment shows that the cared-for person has capital above the upper limit set by their home nation's local authority, they will be expected to pay for their own respite care. The upper capital limits vary across the UK and are subject to change. When self-funding, the individual has more control over their choice of care provider and the duration of the respite. This can be funded through savings, income from pensions or investments, or benefits.
Paying for respite care across the UK: A comparison
While the general routes to funding are similar, specific rules, particularly financial thresholds, can differ between the home nations. Below is a comparison of some key aspects of funding for a short-term respite stay in a care home (up to eight weeks).
| Aspect | England | Wales | Scotland | Northern Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funding Source | Local Authority, NHS, Charities, Self-funding | Local Authority, NHS, Charities, Self-funding | Local Authority, NHS, Charities, Self-funding | Health and Social Care Trust, NHS, Charities, Self-funding |
| Upper Capital Limit | £24,000 for care at home (2024). £50,000 for residential care (2024) | £24,000 for care at home (2024). £50,000 for residential care (2024) | Varies by council; some services free, no capital limit for personal care | £14,250 for residential respite (2024) |
| Means Test | Yes, for local authority funding | Yes, for local authority funding | Yes, for income contribution, but personal/nursing care free | Yes, for Health and Social Care Trust funding |
| Property Disregarded | Yes, for short-term stays | Yes, for short-term stays | Yes, if it is a short stay | Yes, for respite or short-term care |
| Personal Expenses Allowance | £30.65 per week (2025/26) for temporary residential care | £43.90 per week (2023/24) for residential care | £30.15 per week (2023/24) for residential care | £30.44 per week (2024) for residential care |
What about free respite care?
In some cases, free respite care may be available, particularly for services provided in the home. Local charities often provide free sitting services, and the NHS offers intermediate care or reablement services for up to six weeks, typically following a hospital discharge. These are designed to help with rehabilitation and can be free of charge.
Conclusion: Navigating your respite care funding options
Funding for respite care in the UK is a multifaceted landscape, with different pathways depending on individual needs and financial circumstances. The first step is always to contact your local council and request a needs and carer's assessment. This will clarify eligibility for local authority support and is the gateway to accessing potential financial assistance through personal budgets or direct payments. For those with significant health needs, exploring NHS Continuing Healthcare is a crucial route to a fully-funded package. If statutory funding is unavailable or insufficient, numerous charities and benevolent funds can provide grant support to help cover costs. Ultimately, understanding your options through these assessments and exploring all available resources is key to securing affordable, quality respite care.
Further information: For more detailed guidance, the NHS website provides extensive information on carers' breaks and support.
