Written by Oliver Wakefield-Smith. Reviewed for accuracy against the Homecare Association's 2026/27 minimum-price report and Age UK's 2026 factsheets. Numbers verified 21 June 2026.
The £14,250 and £23,250 means-test thresholds
The two-threshold means test is the spine of adult social care funding in England and Northern Ireland. The lower threshold is £14,250; the upper is £23,250[5].
How tariff income works
Between £14,250 and £23,250, the council adds £1 a week of tariff income for every £250 of capital above the lower threshold[3]. So:
| Capital | Tariff income |
|---|---|
| £14,250 or below | £0/wk |
| £16,750 | £10/wk |
| £19,000 | £19/wk |
| £21,250 | £28/wk |
| £23,250 or above | Self-funder |
What is disregarded
- The value of the home, if a spouse, civil partner or qualifying relative still lives there.
- The value of the home for the first 12 weeks after admission to a residential home.
- Personal possessions and most bonds.
- The first £10,000 of any compensation payment.