The needs assessment
Adult social care throughout the county is the job of Oxfordshire County Council. Your finances play no part at this first stage: any resident who seems to need help is entitled to an assessment against the national criteria.
The financial assessment
If you're eligible, the council then calculates any contribution. The 2026/27 limits in England are:
- Capital over £23,250 - you generally fund your own care
- Capital between £14,250 and £23,250 - a contribution from both savings and income
- Capital under £14,250 - savings disregarded; income only is considered
Your property
If care is delivered in your own home, its value is disregarded. In a care home, by contrast, property can be counted after a 12-week period. Council-funded support can usually be taken as a direct payment and used towards care you arrange yourself.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is for those past State Pension age whose health means they need looking after; savings are irrelevant. For 2026/27 it pays £76.70 weekly at the lower rate, or £114.60 where help is required by night as well as by day.
NHS Continuing Healthcare
If care needs arise primarily from health problems, NHS Continuing Healthcare can fund the whole package. In Oxfordshire this is overseen by NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board. A checklist screening usually comes first, then a full assessment where indicated.
Getting advice
Age UK Oxfordshire and independent advisers who specialise in later-life finance can help you weigh up options before committing.
General information only, not financial or legal advice. Allowances and thresholds normally change each April.