The 12-week property disregard

When someone moves permanently into a care home and owns their home, the council must ignore the value of that home in the means test for the first 12 weeks. During this period the council helps pay the fees, giving the family breathing space rather than forcing a rushed house sale.

Why it exists

Selling a house takes time, and no one should have to sell in a hurry the moment a relative needs care. The 12-week disregard bridges the gap: the council treats the person as if the property were not there, assesses them on their other capital and income, and contributes to the fees for up to 12 weeks while arrangements are made.

When it applies

• The stay is permanent (it does not apply to short respite stays).
• The person’s other capital, not counting the home, is below the £23,250 upper threshold.
• The home is not already disregarded for another reason, such as a partner still living there (in which case it is ignored indefinitely, not just 12 weeks).

What happens after 12 weeks

Once the 12 weeks end, the home normally counts as capital, which usually takes the person above the upper threshold and into self-funding. At that point many families either sell the property or set up a deferred payment agreement, where the council keeps paying the fees and recovers the money from the estate later, so the house still does not have to be sold immediately.

Ask your council’s adult social services to confirm the disregard as soon as a permanent move is agreed. See how to pay for a care home for the wider picture.

England only. General information, not financial advice.