When one partner moves into care, financial uncertainty often follows. Among the most common concerns is what happens to joint savings. Couples frequently worry that shared bank accounts will be frozen, split unfairly, or used entirely to fund care costs, leaving the partner at home financially exposed.
In the UK, joint savings are not automatically taken in full to pay for care. However, they are assessed carefully, and understanding how this process works is essential to protecting both partners’ financial security.
How Joint Savings Are Viewed in a Care Fees Assessment
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A care fees assessment focuses on the finances of the person receiving care, not the couple as a whole. That said, joint savings cannot be ignored simply because they are shared.
As a general rule, joint savings are assumed to be owned equally, unless there is clear evidence to show otherwise. This means that, in most cases, 50 percent of the balance in a joint account is treated as belonging to the partner who has gone into care.
The remaining portion is treated as belonging to the partner who remains at home and is not included in the assessment.
Why Joint Savings Are Not Automatically Taken in Full
The care funding system recognises that the partner who remains at home still needs financial stability. Taking all joint savings would risk leaving that person unable to meet everyday living costs.
For this reason, only the assessed individual’s share is considered available to contribute toward care costs, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
How Joint Savings Are Typically Treated
| Situation | How Joint Savings Are Treated | What It Means for the Partner at Home |
|---|---|---|
| One partner enters long-term care | Savings usually split 50/50 | Half of the savings remain protected for the partner at home |
| Council-funded care assessment | Only the care recipient’s share is counted | The remaining partner’s share is ignored |
| Unequal contributions proven | Adjusted ownership may apply | Evidence can protect a larger share for the partner at home |
| Temporary care stays | Savings may be disregarded initially | Short-term arrangements may delay full assessment |
Can Ownership Be Other Than 50/50?
Although a 50/50 split is the default assumption, this can be challenged if there is clear evidence that ownership is unequal. This might include records showing one partner made significantly larger contributions to the account or that funds were held jointly for convenience rather than shared ownership.
Without strong evidence, however, local authorities are likely to apply the equal split rule.
What Happens if Savings Are Moved or Separated?
Some couples consider separating joint savings into individual accounts once care becomes necessary. While this is not automatically prohibited, timing and intention matter.
If savings are moved shortly before or after entering care, the council may examine whether the action was intended to reduce care contributions. Where this is suspected, the funds may still be treated as available to the person in care.
This is why decisions about joint savings should be made carefully and transparently.
How Joint Savings Affect the Partner Remaining at Home
The partner who remains at home is not financially assessed as part of the care funding process. Their share of joint savings is protected and should not be used to pay for care.
This protection exists to ensure that the partner at home can continue to meet living costs such as housing, utilities, food, and daily expenses.
Why Understanding Joint Savings Rules Matters
Misunderstanding how joint savings are treated often leads families to fear unnecessary financial loss or to make rushed decisions that complicate funding later.
Knowing that only a portion of joint savings is usually assessed allows couples to plan calmly and protect the financial wellbeing of both partners.
FAQ – Joint Savings and Care Fees
Are joint savings taken in full when one partner goes into care?
No. Usually only the share belonging to the person in care is assessed.
Is the split always 50/50?
This is the default assumption, unless evidence shows a different ownership arrangement.
Can the partner at home be forced to use their savings?
No. The partner at home’s share is not included in the care assessment.
Should joint accounts be separated immediately?
Not necessarily. Poorly timed changes can raise questions during assessment.
What if the council gets it wrong?
You can request a review and provide evidence to clarify ownership.
Need help finding a care home?
Senior Home Plus offers free personalized guidance to help you find a care facility that suits your health needs, budget, and preferred location in the UK.
Call us at 0203 608 0055 to get expert assistance today.
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