Labour is promising free personal care in England for over-65s most in need of it, so they will not have to pay for help with dressing, washing and meals.
Currently, state help with the cost of home or residential help is available for those with assets below £23,250.
Labour says the pledge, costing an estimated £6bn a year, will double the number of those not having to pay.
It would bring England into line with Scotland, where personal care is free for those with the most severe needs.
In his keynote speech to the Labour conference on Monday, shadow chancellor John McDonnell said the move would be funded out of general taxation.
A future Labour government would pass legislation to enshrine a right to free personal care for those most in need, consulting on “eligibility criteria to ensure this system works for all”.