Last updated:
15th July 2026
Paying extra for care at home
If you choose care at home that costs more than your personal budget, this is not called a top-up payment.
Top-up payments only apply to care homes, including residential and nursing care.
If your care costs more than your personal budget, you will usually need to pay the extra cost yourself.
How it works
We'll agree a personal budget based on the care and support you need.
If you choose care and support that costs more than your personal budget, you will need to pay the difference.
You can:
- pay the extra amount directly to the care provider, or
- add your own money to your Direct Payment account so your provider can be paid from one place.
Find out more about Direct Payments and how they can help you choose and arrange your own care and support.
Examples of extra costs
You might need to pay extra if you choose:
- a more expensive care agency
- additional hours of care
- live-in care that costs more than your personal budget
What you may need
-
income and savings
- investments
- regular bills or other financial commitments
If your circumstances changes
We may check from time to time that the extra cost is still affordable for you.
You must tell us if your circumstances change, for example if your:
- income changes
- savings change
- care needs change
