General Information

Understanding care home fees is crucial. Nearly half a million people in the UK live in care homes, and the costs can be significant. The link below explains who pays, how much a care home costs, and what financial support is available.

A Personal Expenses Allowance (PEA), sometimes called a Personal Experience Allowance is the small amount of money that residents in a care home (who are receiving financial support from their local authority) are allowed to keep for themselves after their care fees are paid.

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It’s designed so that people still have some money of their own to spend on personal items and day-to-day needs that aren’t covered by the care home fees.

Typical things people use the allowance for include:

• Clothes and shoes

• Toiletries and cosmetics

• Newspapers, books, or magazines

• Small treats (like snacks or outings)

• Presents for family or friends

• Hairdressing or chiropody

In England (as of 2024–25), the PEA is £28.25 per week. This amount is set by the government and local authorities are not allowed to reduce it, though some may allow residents to keep more.

Attendance Allowance (AA) is a UK benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care because of an illness or disability.

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You can claim if:

• You are State Pension age or older.

• You have a physical or mental disability or illness (including sensory conditions like blindness or deafness).

• You need help with personal care (washing, dressing, eating, using the toilet) or supervision to keep you safe.

• Your need has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least 6 months (unless you’re terminally ill, in which case you can claim straight away under the special rules).

• You are normally living in Great Britain when you claim (with some exceptions if you’ve lived or worked abroad).

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Organisations such as Carers UK and carehome.co.uk provide resources and guidance on navigating funding applications and understanding your rights as a carer.