Free Personal Care in Scotland: What It Covers and How Care Home Funding Works

In short: In Scotland the council pays a weekly sum towards personal care and nursing care for adults who are assessed as needing it, whatever their savings. The 2026/27 rates are £260.30 a week for personal care and £117.10 for nursing care. Accommodation, food and other costs are still charged.

What free personal care means

Free personal care was introduced in Scotland in 2002 for people aged 65 and over. Since April 2019 it applies to adults of any age (often called Frank’s Law). It means the help you need with things like washing, dressing, eating and medication is not charged for, whether you live at home or in a care home. It does not make a care home stay free: you still pay for accommodation and living costs.

This is different from England, where there is no equivalent and a means test decides who pays for personal care. See paying for care in England for the contrast.

The weekly rates for 2026/27

These are the rates set for 2026/27 and are paid by the council direct to the care home. They are uprated each April, and the draft regulations needed parliamentary approval, so confirm the current figure with your council or Care Information Scotland.

What it does not cover

• Accommodation, meals, heating and laundry (the “hotel” costs)
• Fees above the council’s standard rate if you choose a more expensive home
• Personal items, hairdressing and activities that are charged extra

Who qualifies and how to apply

1. Ask your local council social work department for a community care assessment. It is free and open to anyone.
2. The assessment decides whether you need personal care and, if you live in a care home, whether you also need nursing care.
3. If you qualify, the council pays the weekly amount to the care home. You do not need to have a low income or low savings to receive it.
4. Self-funders are entitled to it too. Ask the home to deduct it from your bill and check that it has been.

Council-arranged care and standard rates

If the council arranges your place, it pays the home a standard rate, shown as interim figures of £930.45 a week for residential care and £1,074.13 for nursing care in 2026/27 on Care Information Scotland. You then pay an assessed contribution from your income and from capital above the lower limit. Scotland sets its own capital limits, which differ from England’s £23,250 upper limit. If you choose a home that costs more than the standard rate, someone must agree to pay the difference, usually as a third-party top-up.

NHS care and continuing care in Scotland

Scotland does not use the English NHS Continuing Healthcare system. See our guide to NHS continuing care in Scotland. Also, if you are thinking about a home in Scotland, see best places to retire in Scotland.

Frequently asked questions

Is care home care free in Scotland?

Only part of it. Personal care and nursing care payments are funded by the council, but accommodation and living costs are still charged unless the council is paying your fees after a financial assessment.

How much is free personal care in Scotland in 2026/27?

The rates are £260.30 a week for personal care and £117.10 a week for nursing care. Check with your council for the confirmed current figures.

Do I need to be over 65 to get free personal care in Scotland?

No. Since April 2019 it is available to adults of any age who are assessed as needing personal care.

Do self-funders get free personal care in Scotland?

Yes. Savings and income are not considered for the personal and nursing care payments, so self-funders should have them deducted from their care home fees.

How do I apply for free personal care in Scotland?

Contact your council’s social work department and ask for a community care assessment. It is free, and the council arranges the payments if you qualify.

Official sources

• Care Information Scotland: standard rates
• Scottish Parliament: personal and nursing care amendment regulations 2026
• Scottish Government: free personal and nursing care

This page is general information, not legal, medical or financial advice. The Care Panel is an independent guide and is not part of any government body or care provider. Last checked 10 November 2026.

Related: Paying for care in England · Self-funding care

Reviewed by The Care Panel team on 9 November 2026. This guide is general information about care in England, not legal, medical or financial advice. Rules and rates change; check with your council or an adviser before making decisions.