Care home fees in Scotland are worked out differently from anywhere else in the UK. Scotland pays towards personal and nursing care for everyone who needs it, and its capital limits are higher than England’s.
Care home costs still run to hundreds of pounds a week, so here are four facts to know before deciding how to pay. For the rules in England, see our guide to selling your house to pay for care.
1. Free Personal and Nursing Care Applies at Any Age
If a care needs assessment shows you need it, you get personal and nursing care payments, whatever your age, income or savings.
In a care home, the council pays £260.30 a week towards personal care, such as help with washing and dressing, and a further £117.10 a week if you need nursing care. The money goes straight to the care home and comes off your bill, even if you pay for the rest yourself. See mygov.scot.
2. Care Home Fees in Scotland Still Include Accommodation
You still pay for accommodation, such as your room, food and heating. This part is means-tested using your capital:
- Above £36,750: you pay the accommodation costs in full
- Between £22,750 and £36,750: you pay from your income plus £1 a week for every £250 over £22,750
- Below £22,750: your capital is ignored and you pay from your income only
3. The 12-Week Disregard Scheme Protects Your Home
The value of your home is not counted towards care home fees in Scotland for the first 12 weeks of a permanent stay. It is also ignored for as long as a partner or certain relatives still live there.
After that, you can ask the council for a deferred payment agreement, so you do not have to sell the house straight away. Read how to protect your home from care home fees.
4. How to Pay for Care in Scotland
Ask your local council for a care needs assessment, then request a financial assessment to find out what you will pay. Both are free.
Once you receive the personal care payment in a care home, Attendance Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment usually stops after 28 days, so report the change promptly. Full details are in the Care Information Scotland paying care home fees guide.
Care Home Funding FAQs
Are care home fees in Scotland free?
No. Personal and nursing care are free, but you still pay for accommodation. That part is means-tested, and you pay it in full if your capital is above £36,750.
Do you get free home care in Scotland?
Yes, if you are assessed as needing it. Councils can still charge for other help, such as housework.
Care home fees in Scotland can be complicated, so get free, independent advice from Age Scotland before making any decisions about the house.
Disclaimer: General information only, not financial or legal advice. Figures are for 2026/27
