Care home fees in Havering in 2026/27: how the council means test, NHS-funded nursing care and self-funding work for Hornchurch families

The answer most Havering families need

Up to three payers can share a care home fee in Havering this year. A resident who needs a registered nurse has a weekly NHS contribution paid to the home. Someone with very high health needs may have everything paid through Continuing Healthcare. Below the upper capital limit, the London Borough of Havering steps in for some or all of the balance, with the resident contributing from income. Moreland House offers nursing care, so ask how the NHS payment would show on your invoice.

Which council, and why it matters

Havering's means test covers people whose ordinary home is in Hornchurch, Emerson Park, Upminster, Elm Park, Gidea Park, Romford or Harold Hill. Moving into a care home does not change who is responsible, so a resident coming to Manor Avenue from Brentwood or Shenfield stays with Essex County Council, and one from Dagenham stays with Barking and Dagenham. Because every council sets its own nursing rate and deferred payment scheme, establish which one has the case before discussing money.

The needs assessment

The first formal step is a Care Act 2014 needs assessment from Havering adult social care. You, your relative, the GP or a ward at Queen's Hospital can ask for it. The assessor records daily abilities and support needs and says whether nursing care is required. Even if you plan to pay privately, have it done: it sets a record of the level of care, and the council will not fund anything later without it.

The financial assessment and the 2026/27 rules

GOV.UK publishes the capital limits and the personal expenses allowance each year, and the NHS website gives the current NHS-funded nursing care rate.

Capital covers savings, investments and usually the person's home. A home is left out if a spouse, partner or certain relatives are still living there. If it does count, the value is set aside for twelve weeks from the start of permanent care. After that, Havering must offer eligible residents a deferred payment agreement, which lets the fees wait until the estate is settled, with interest and an administration charge added, rather than forcing a sale. Income is taken into account almost entirely. That means pensions of every kind, Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance; the last of these ends 28 days after the council starts funding.

Council rates and top-ups

Havering will pay up to the rate it has set for nursing care. You can still choose another suitable home with a vacancy. If its fee is above the rate, a relative or other third party has to commit to the difference, known as a top-up, and the council will look hard at whether they can afford it long term. Request Havering's rate in writing and the home's exact top-up figure before signing. A resident paying their own top-up is only normally allowed during the twelve-week disregard or under a deferred payment agreement.

NHS Continuing Healthcare

Full NHS funding is possible when health needs are the main reason for care and are complex, intense or unpredictable. A checklist comes first, filled in on a ward at Queen's, by the GP or by a social worker. If it is positive, a full assessment follows, and anyone deteriorating rapidly can be fast-tracked. Most people in nursing homes are not found eligible. Ask for the checklist anyway, because a refusal can be appealed.

Self-funding in Havering

A person with capital above the upper capital limit pays privately until it falls to that level. Book Havering's financial assessment several months before then, not after. In the meantime they can still receive NHS-funded nursing care where a nurse is needed, keep Attendance Allowance and request a Continuing Healthcare checklist. Having a council needs assessment on file also helps at the point the money runs out.

Benefits that carry on

Because Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, self-funders keep it; it ends 28 days after Havering takes over funding. Pension Credit may carry on. When a husband, wife or partner stays at home, only the resident's share of their income is assessed, so ask how the council will treat it and what the partner can claim. Help is available from Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering and from Citizens Advice Havering.

What to ask Moreland House before signing

Ask for the weekly fee and what it includes, how the NHS nursing payment is deducted, how much notice you get of a fee review, and which of our 50 rooms, 49 of them en-suite, you are being offered. The council's funding decision or your confirmation of self-funding should be in place before the move. Moreland House is at 5 Manor Avenue, Hornchurch RM11 2EB, a quarter of a mile from Gidea Park station on the Elizabeth line. Call 01708 442654 or use the contact form to arrange a visit, and ask for the figures in writing.