Question 31
What is a top-up fee for a care home and who pays it?
A top-up fee is the difference between what the council pays for a care home place and what the home actually charges. If someone wants to stay in a home that costs more than the council's standard rate, a third party — usually a family member — pays the difference. The person in care cannot pay their own top-up from their personal allowance. The council must agree to the arrangement in writing before it starts. If the person paying can no longer afford it, the council must find a suitable alternative — they cannot simply remove funding. Top-up fees are legal and common, but must never be required as a condition of accepting a council-funded place.
Always get the top-up agreement confirmed in writing from the council before committing — verbal arrangements offer no protection if costs change later.
What changes the answer
- Whether the preferred home exceeds the council's standard rate
- Who is available and willing to pay the top-up
- Whether the top-up amount is affordable long term