Adult social care in the UK is primarily funded through a combination of local councils (social services), the NHS, and personal contributions depending on individual needs and financial means.

1. Local Councils (Local Authorities)

• Who they are: Local social services departments assess care needs and fund a large portion of social care for adults with autism or learning disabilities.
• Means-testing: Support from the council is usually subject to a financial assessment (means test) evaluating income and savings.
• Savings Thresholds (England):
• If capital, savings, and assets are under £14,250, the council typically covers the maximum possible contribution.
• If savings are between £14,250 and £23,250, you may be eligible for partial council funding.
• If savings or assets exceed £23,250, you are generally considered a "self-funder" and must pay for your care costs yourself, though many adults with lifelong learning disabilities or complex autism needs receive council-supported care packages.
• Personal Budgets & Direct Payments: If eligible, the council allocates a personal budget, which can be delivered as direct payments so the individual or family can choose and arrange approved support.

2. The NHS (National Health Service)

• NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC): If an autistic adult's primary need is health-related rather than social, the NHS completely funds the care package (free of charge, non-means-tested).
• Joint Funding: Sometimes care packages are split or "joint-funded" between the local council and the NHS.

3. Personal Contributions and Benefits

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP): Working-age adults (16 and older) can claim PIP, which helps with daily living or mobility costs. PIP is not means-tested and is paid regardless of income or savings.
• Other Benefits: Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or Carer's Allowance may supplement individual or family finances.
• Self-Funding: Individuals with assets or savings over the upper threshold pay for care home fees or home care directly, sometimes assisted by deferred payment agreements if a home is owned.
Read more about local assessments on the NHS Social Care and Support Guide or guidance on Autism UK's Social Care Page.

Unfortunately he will need to use his disability payments to pay for his care. That is what it is there for. My son has been paying for this with that money for decades.