I work in Social Care. First of all, it depends on the local authority you live in what the thresholds are, e.g. where I work the threshold is 23,500. Therefore if a person has 30,000 in savings they would be expected to pay for their own care in the care home until there savings are close the 23,500 figure. They would then be assessed by Adult Social Services to see whether they would be eligible for a contribution from the local authority towards their care. It largely depends on the Borough, and what their eligibility criteria is for Adult Social Services. I presume you have been in touch with her local Social Services and asked how it operates? The only issue might be, if your Mum is in a home and then get assessed by Social Services, if they are going to contribute, they may have some say in the Home she is in - which might not be the one you have previously chosen for her. In these circumstances, some families pay some of the fees to help their family member stay in the home they are in, this it called a top-up. Speak to Mum's Adult Social Services who should have Advisors who can help you.