Eligibility for financial support with care costs

This means your eligibility depends on:

• your care needs – Whether you require support with daily tasks
• your financial situation – A means test will determine if you need to contribute
• your residency – You must be a resident of Lewisham to access council-funded support. 

How is eligibility decided?

1. Care needs assessment

A social worker or care professional from the Council will assess whether you meet the national eligibility criteria:

• you must have a physical, mental, or cognitive impairment
• you must struggle with at least two daily living tasks, such as:
• personal care (washing, dressing)
• meal preparation
• managing medications
• accessing community activities

Your difficulties must have a significant impact on your wellbeing. 

If you meet these criteria, you will be eligible for a personal budget to pay for care. 

2. Financial assessment (Means test)

• if you qualify for care, the Financial Assessment team will determine if you need to pay towards your care costs
• if you have savings over £23,250, you will need to pay the full cost (self-funding)
• if your savings are below this threshold, the council will calculate your contribution based on income, savings, and expenses

Some services are provided free of charge, including:

• reablement support (for up to six weeks)
• mental health aftercare (Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983)
• NHS Continuing Healthcare

What happens if you are not eligible?

• if you do not meet the care needs criteria, the council can still provide advice and signposting to support services
• if you have too much in savings, you will need to self-fund your care

Need help?

Contact our Gateway team for advice.

How to request an assessment

Call Lewisham Council Adult Social Care: 020 8314 7777.