Financial Guidance

Funding & Support Options

Understanding the financial aspects of care is essential. At Sunbird Care, we're committed to helping you navigate the various funding options available to make quality care accessible and affordable.

Understanding care funding options with Sunbird Care

Understanding Your Funding Options

Paying for care can seem overwhelming, but there are multiple funding sources available that you may be eligible for. Our care advisors can help you understand these options and support you through the application process. Here's an overview of the main funding streams available:

Local Authority Support

Attendance Allowance

Carer's Allowance

Personal Health Budgets

NHS Continuing Healthcare

Housing Benefit

Disability Living Allowance

Charitable Grants

Our team is available to discuss your specific circumstances and help you identify which funding options might be suitable for you or your loved one. We can also assist with paperwork and guide you through the assessment processes.

Local Authority Support for Home Care

Your local authority might be able to help with the cost of care. Before arranging care, you can request a needs assessment which will help determine:

  • The level of care needed for your specific situation

  • Whether care at home is the most suitable option for you

  • Available funding options based on your circumstances

After completing both a care support assessment and a financial assessment, you may be allocated a personal budget to pay for or contribute towards your care. This can be managed in two ways:

  • Used by adult social care to provide you with care and support services directly

  • Received as a direct payment, allowing you or someone acting on your behalf to arrange care services

For further information from your local council, please select from the options below:

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit that helps with the extra costs of long-term illness or disability, which can be either physical and/or mental. This benefit is designed to help older individuals maintain their independence and stay in their own homes longer.

Key Points About Attendance Allowance:

  • It's paid at two different rates (£69.70 or £104.90 per week as of 2025), depending on the level of care needed

  • You must be State Pension age or older and have a physical or mental disability

  • The disability must be severe enough that you need help caring for yourself

  • It is not means-tested, so your income and savings are not taken into account

  • You can spend the money however you choose to meet your care needs

For more detailed information and application guidance, please visit:

Our care team can provide guidance on the application process and help you understand if you're likely to qualify for this benefit.

Carer's Allowance

Carer's Allowance is the main welfare benefit for carers. If you're looking after someone for at least 35 hours a week, you may be eligible for this financial support.

How It Works:

  • You could qualify if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they receive certain benefits

  • You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for

  • There's no additional payment if you care for more than one person

  • If someone else also cares for the same person as you, only one of you can claim Carer's Allowance

Important Considerations:

Carer's Allowance can affect other benefits you receive, and it may also affect the benefits of the person you care for. Getting specialist advice before making a claim is recommended to ensure you won't be financially worse off.

For further information and to check eligibility, please visit:

Personal Health Budgets

A Personal Health Budget (PHB) is an allocation of funds made to a person with an established health need. It gives you more choice and control over the money spent on meeting your healthcare needs.

How Personal Health Budgets Work:

Currently, the NHS provides Personal Health Budgets in three different ways:

Notional Budget

The NHS holds the money and arranges the agreed care and support on your behalf according to your care plan.

Real Budget Held by Third Party

An organization or trust holds the money and helps you decide how to use it.

Direct Payment

You receive the money directly to buy and manage services yourself, giving you the most flexibility and control.

Personal health budgets are fully funded by the NHS and cannot be 'topped up' with private funds. Once you have confirmed your eligibility, we can work together to put a structured care plan in place that will complement your specific needs.

For further information, please visit the NHS website:

NHS Continuing Healthcare

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a package of care arranged and funded solely by the NHS for individuals aged 18 or over who have significant healthcare needs. It can be provided in various settings, including your own home or a care home.

Key Information:

  • Eligibility is based on your healthcare needs, not your financial situation or diagnosis

  • Assessment is carried out by Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs)

  • If eligible, the NHS will fund all of your care needs, including accommodation if in a care home

  • Regular reviews will assess whether NHS CHC funding remains appropriate for your needs

The assessment process for NHS Continuing Healthcare is thorough and considers a wide range of health needs. Our team can help explain the process and support you through the assessment stages.

For detailed information about NHS Continuing Healthcare, please visit:

Need Help Understanding Your Options?

Our Care Advisors Are Here to Help

Navigating care funding can be complex. Our experienced team can provide personalized guidance based on your specific circumstances, helping you access all the financial support you're entitled to.

Arrange a Consultation