Social care in England is rationed, depending on how much care a person needs and how much money they have. Individuals are first assessed on care needs. There are four basic levels or bands of care offered - low, moderate, substantial and critical - but levels vary between councils. The bands cover daily tasks such as washing, dressing and eating.
Many councils can no longer afford to give care to people in the low and moderate bands - they will only fund people needing high levels of care.
The second test is a means or financial assessment. People needing help at home have to pay for their own care if they have savings of more than £23,250. When a person needs full-time residential care, the value of their home may also be taken into account.
The various payment thresholds have barely changed over the years. Critics argue there should be a cap on payments.
The value of a person's home is included in the financial assessment if they need residential care, unless their partner is continuing to live at the property.
Every year thousands of people have to sell their homes to help pay for their care.
460,000 places in care homes in the UK less than 50% are state-funded places
Who needs social care?
Number of people over 65
Number of disabled people (18-64)
Who gets state-funded care?
Who is eligible for care?
Who gets funded care at home?
Who gets funded care in a residential home?
How much does it cost?
Number of over 65s receiving care
Annual cost to the state: £9.4bn (2010-11)
Number 18-64 receiving care
Annual cost to the state: £7.1bn (2010-11)
Who pays for care?
Over 65s
18-64s