Paying for care calculators
The rules on paying for care depend on where the person lives. England and Northern Ireland share the same capital limits, Scotland pays towards personal care for everyone who needs it, and Wales has a single higher limit.
These calculators give a first estimate so you know what to ask the council. The council’s own financial assessment decides what is actually paid.
- Care home fees calculatorWho pays for a care home in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Live-in care vs care home calculatorCompare the weekly and yearly cost of the two using your own quotes.
Key figures for 2026/27
| England upper limit | £23,250 |
|---|---|
| Scotland upper limit | £36,750 |
| Wales limit | £50,000 |
| Northern Ireland upper limit | £23,250 |
| Scotland free personal care | £260.30 a week |
Checked 25 October 2026. See all 2026/27 benefit rates with sources.
A parent needs to move into a care home
Use the fees calculator to see whether they will pay in full, and how long their savings may last before the council steps in.
Choosing between care at home and a care home
Compare live-in care with a care home using your own quotes, including the household costs that carry on at home.