Care Home Fees

SnowWhiterThanWhite

Brie said:

Don't forget that the assessment must take into account how much of mom's income is necessary to support the household.  So if both mom and dad were just on SP most of mom's would need to go towards maintaining dad in their home. (owned, rented whatever).   So not all her SP would be available to pay for her care.  

On the other side of this is dad has an income of £150k a year he has no obligation to pay towards her care and could go ahead and buy a Bugatti or whatever other car he fancies.  And mom's full SP would go on her care and not in supporting dad in his luxury lifestyle.  Obviously if a family has a load of cash available they may want to support a loved one in care, it's just that they are NOT obliged.  But basically if dad needs a new car then it's up to him to buy one if he can afford to.  Likewise fix the roof, continue to have a gardener cut the grass, whatever.

Only private or occupational pensions can be transferred to spouse (50%) not State Pension.
If Dad is in receipt of pension credit,  you'll need to check if he's better off NOT receiving 50% of her private pension as this may take him over the pension credit threshold. Make sure he also claims SPD on his council tax. Good luck with everything