Currently, unlike NHS services, social care is not free at the point of use. Anyone who requests public funded social care must undergo a needs assessment and a means test, and only those with highest needs and the lowest financial assets are likely to receive support. Anyone with assets of more than £23,250 must pay for all social care themselves. Below this threshold, contributions are made by the service user and the government on a sliding scale. If service users have long-term complex health needs, the NHS may also contribute to funding.
