Paying for care in West Sussex

West Sussex is our home county: we're based in Pulborough, in the Arun valley. Whether your loved one lives on the coast, in a South Downs village or in one of the Weald towns, there's one council to contact, and a free needs assessment is worth asking for even if you expect to pay for care yourselves.

Who do you contact for council help in West Sussex?

In West Sussex, adult social care is run by West Sussex County Council.

Ask for a care needs assessment. It's free, and anyone who appears to need care and support can have one, whatever their savings. If the council agrees your loved one has eligible needs, it then does a financial assessment to work out what they pay.

What does care cost in West Sussex?

Compare costs for your situation.

Will the council help pay?

In England, for 2026 to 2027, if your loved one's savings and other capital are over £23,250, they'll usually pay the full cost of their care. Between £14,250 and £23,250, the council contributes and they pay part. Below £14,250, that capital is ignored, though they'll still pay something from their income. If you pay for care at home in full but ask the council to arrange it, West Sussex charges a set-up fee and a small weekly fee. Check the current amounts on the council's website.

Will we have to sell the house?

Not for care at home: the value of the home your loved one lives in isn't counted. In a care home it usually is, after the first 12 weeks, unless a partner or certain relatives still live there. The council offers deferred payment agreements, which let the council pay care home fees and recover the money from the house later. Will we have to sell the house to pay for care?

What else should you check?

• Attendance Allowance: a benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care. It isn't means-tested.
• NHS Continuing Healthcare: if your loved one's needs are mainly health needs, the NHS may pay the full cost of their care. In West Sussex, contact the All-Age Continuing Care team at NHS Surrey and Sussex on 0300 561 1444.
• How to pay for live-in care, for both of these in more detail.

Where can family carers get support in West Sussex?

If you help a loved one with their care, you can ask the council for a free carer's assessment of your own needs. These local organisations offer free advice and support:

• Carers Support West Sussex, 0300 028 8888: helpline, carers' assessments, benefits advice and local hubs across the county

Free, independent advice

• Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove
• Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602, free, 8am to 7pm, every day

This guide covers England. It's general information, not financial or legal advice. Council contacts and charges change, so check with the council before relying on them.