What is a SOLLA-Accredited Financial Adviser — and Why Do You Need One for Care Funding?
SOLLA stands for the Society of Later Life Advisers. It is a not-for-profit organisation that accredits financial advisers who have passed specialist examinations in later life financial planning — including the complexities of funding long-term care. A SOLLA-accredited adviser has demonstrated specific knowledge and competence in this area, over and above the standard qualifications required to practise as a financial adviser.
Why does specialist accreditation matter for care funding?
Funding care in later life is not a standard financial planning exercise. It involves navigating the interaction between means-testing and local authority processes, NHS Continuing Healthcare eligibility, property and equity considerations, pension income and benefits, Deferred Payment Agreements, and specialist financial products such as immediate needs annuities. A general financial adviser — however competent in other areas — may not have the depth of knowledge required to give reliable advice across all of these areas.
A SOLLA-accredited adviser has specifically prepared for this. They understand the care system, the funding pathways, and the financial products that exist to manage care costs — and they are required to keep their knowledge up to date as legislation and guidance changes.
What can a SOLLA adviser help with?
The scope of advice a SOLLA-accredited financial adviser provides typically includes:
How to structure assets and income to manage care costs as efficiently as possible. Whether a Deferred Payment Agreement is appropriate or whether other options — including equity release in a care context — are preferable. Immediate needs annuities, which provide a guaranteed income to meet care fees for life in exchange for a lump sum, and which can provide significant peace of mind for self-funders. Preparing for the financial assessment with the local authority, including understanding what counts as capital and what can legitimately be disregarded. Inheritance planning in the context of care costs. Pension and benefit optimisation in the later life context.
What if the outcome does not reflect your loved one's needs?
You have the right to request a review of the assessment if you believe it is inaccurate or incomplete. You can also involve an independent advocate — someone who speaks on behalf of your loved one during the assessment — particularly if the person has communication difficulties or lacks capacity. If you disagree with the eligibility decision, you can make a formal complaint and request a reassessment.
How does it connect to care advice?
Financial advice and care advice are closely linked — but they are distinct disciplines. A care adviser like Local Care Adviser helps families understand the care system, identify the right type of care, find appropriate providers, and navigate local authority and NHS processes. A SOLLA-accredited financial adviser handles the financial strategy around funding that care. The two work best together, and for families facing significant care costs, having both in your corner is enormously valuable.
We work alongside SOLLA-accredited financial advisers as part of our wider network of trusted professionals. When financial matters require specialist input, we make the right introductions — ensuring our clients always have the right expert for the right question.
For solicitors and financial advisers
If you are a solicitor or SOLLA-accredited financial adviser looking for a trusted care adviser to refer clients to — or to work alongside on cases involving care funding, CHC eligibility, or care needs assessments — we work with professionals across Bromley, Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, Greenwich and Croydon. Our independent assessments and care reports are designed to integrate seamlessly with your own client work. Find out more about working with us →