Paying for Care in Scotland: Understanding Care Home Fees and Funding
Taking steps of moving or helping a loved one move into a care home can be a stressful time. It is important that the financial implications are fully understood.
The average rates of Care Homes in Scotland for residential care is £1,539* per week (£80,028 per annum) and for nursing care is £1,646* per week (£85,592 per annum). Care homes providing specialist care (ie dementia care) will usually charge a higher fee – dementia residential care £1,603 per week (£83,356 annually) and nursing dementia care £1,649 per week (£86,268 annually). Understandably, when faced with these figures people worry about how they will fund a move to care or nursing accommodation. It is worth bearing in mind not every adult in Scotland will require this type of care.
Where the Local Authority has carried out a care needs assessment and finds you need a care or nursing home placement a means tested Financial Assessment will be carried out.
Care Home Fees in Scotland: What Will You Pay?
This depends on your level of income and capital. The rules can be very complex and there are certain disregards which may apply in relation to whether your property and certain types of income (ie money from certain disability benefits and pensions) are included in the calculation.
| Over Upper Threshold Limit £36,750 | You will be considered to be “self funding” and will pay the full fees |
| Between the Upper and Lower Threshold Limits £22,750 – £36,750 | A tariff system operates and the Local Authority will pay for some of your care and you will contribute the rest. |
| Below Lower Threshold Limit £22,750 | Local Authority will pay for your care. |
Support Available for Paying Care Fees in Scotland
In Scotland, Free Personal Care (FPC) is available providing they have been assessed as requiring this. It is available for people living at home or in care or nursing accommodation. The current rate of FPC is £260.30 per week*. Where you are living in care or nursing accommodation this will be paid directly to the care/nursing home as a contribution towards weekly fees. Where you have also been assessed as requiring nursing care, a “top up” of Free Nursing Care (FNC) is available to those living in a care home. The current rate of FNC is £117.10 per week*. Again, this is paid directly to the care home for your weekly fees.
Attendance Allowance is a non-means tested benefit which pays extra costs if you have a severe disability and require someone to look after you. You require to be physically and/or mentally disabled and are aged 65+. Where you are self-funding (paying all your care costs) you can still claim. Where you are living in a care home and the Local Authority are paying for your care your Attendance Allowance will stop. The Attendance Allowance Rates are currently £76.70 (lower) or £114.60 (higher) per week*, depending on your level of needs.
Where you have paid in sufficient National Insurance contributions you will receive the full State Pension (SP) of £241.30 per week*.
Should you have any further queries about care costs or require more information please contact a member of our experienced Private Client Team who will be happy to help.
Plan Ahead for Care Home Costs with Expert Legal Advice
If you have questions about care home costs or need guidance on paying for care in Scotland, our experienced Private Client Team is here to help. Get in touch today for expert advice tailored to your situation.
*Figures correct as of April 2026
