Many people are unaware that the NHS may fully fund care costs for some individuals with significant or complex health needs. This funding is known as NHS Continuing Healthcare (often shortened to CHC).
NHS Continuing Healthcare can help pay for care provided at home, in a care home or in other settings. Unlike local authority funding, NHS Continuing Healthcare is not means-tested. This means your savings, income and property are not normally taken into account when deciding eligibility.
This guide explains what NHS Continuing Healthcare is, who may qualify, how assessments work and how CHC funding may help cover home care costs.
What Is NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)?
NHS Continuing Healthcare is a package of ongoing care arranged and funded entirely by the NHS for individuals with significant ongoing healthcare needs.
Funding may cover the full cost of care and support, including:
- Home care
- Nursing care
- Personal care
- Specialist support
- Equipment
- Live-in care in some situations
- Care home fees in certain cases
The funding is designed for people whose primary need is related to health rather than purely social care needs.
Is NHS Continuing Healthcare Means-Tested?
No.
One of the most important things to understand about NHS Continuing Healthcare is that it is not means-tested.
This means eligibility is based on the nature and complexity of your healthcare needs rather than:
- Savings
- Property ownership
- Income
- Pensions
Even people with substantial savings may qualify if they meet the criteria.
Who May Be Eligible For NHS Continuing Healthcare?
Eligibility depends on whether a person has what is known as a “primary health need”.
This may include people with:
- Advanced dementia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Neurological conditions
- Severe physical disabilities
- Complex medical conditions
- Significant mobility problems
- Challenging behaviours
- Complex medication needs
- Frequent nursing interventions
- End-of-life care needs
Every case is assessed individually.
How Does The Assessment Process Work?
The process usually begins with an initial screening called a Checklist Assessment.
If this indicates possible eligibility, a full assessment is then completed using the NHS Decision Support Tool (DST).
The assessment looks at several areas including:
- Mobility
- Cognition
- Communication
- Nutrition
- Medication needs
- Skin integrity
- Breathing
- Continence
- Behaviour
- Psychological needs
Professionals assess the nature, intensity, complexity and unpredictability of a person’s needs.
Can CHC Funding Pay For Care At Home?
Yes.
Many people associate CHC funding with care homes, but NHS Continuing Healthcare can also fund care provided in someone’s own home.
This may include:
- Multiple daily home care visits
- Overnight support
- Live-in care
- Nursing support
- Specialist carers
- Equipment and adaptations
Some people prefer receiving care at home because it allows them to remain in familiar surroundings and maintain independence.
What Are The Advantages Of NHS Continuing Healthcare?
Care may be fully funded
If eligible, the NHS may cover the full cost of care.
Not means-tested
Savings and property are not usually considered.
Care can be provided at home
Some individuals can remain at home rather than move into residential care.
Access to specialist support
Funding may help provide more complex packages of care.
Reduced financial pressure
Long-term care costs can be extremely expensive, so CHC funding may provide major financial relief.
What Are The Challenges Or Disadvantages?
The process can feel complicated
Assessments and eligibility criteria can be difficult to understand.
Not everyone qualifies
Eligibility thresholds can be high.
Reviews may take place
Funding arrangements are often reviewed periodically.
Assessments can take time
The process may involve multiple professionals and meetings.
Decisions may be disputed
Some families choose to appeal if funding is declined.
What Is The Difference Between CHC And Local Authority Funding?
Local authority funding is usually means-tested and focuses on social care needs.
NHS Continuing Healthcare is funded entirely by the NHS and is based on healthcare needs rather than finances.
Some people may receive a mixture of NHS and local authority support depending on their situation.
Does CHC Affect Other Benefits?
In some situations, certain benefits may change if NHS Continuing Healthcare funding begins.
However, this depends on the type of funding and where care is provided. It is always sensible to seek independent financial or benefits advice regarding individual circumstances.
Can You Choose Your Own Care Provider?
In some cases, people receiving CHC funding may have flexibility over how care is arranged, particularly where personal health budgets or direct payment arrangements are used.
This can sometimes allow greater choice over care providers and support arrangements.
Final Thoughts
NHS Continuing Healthcare can provide vital financial support for individuals with significant ongoing healthcare needs. For some people, it may help fund substantial home care packages and allow them to remain safely at home.
The assessment process can sometimes feel complex, but understanding your rights and requesting an assessment where appropriate can be an important step for families facing high care costs.
Please read our complete Guide to Home Care and Funding UK
You can also use our home care cost calculator to estimate potential care costs and better understand the possible financial impact of long-term support at home.