NHS Continuing Healthcare

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a package of ongoing care arranged and fully funded by the NHS for adults with complex physical or mental health needs. Unlike local authority social care, CHC funding is entirely non-means-tested; eligibility is based strictly on your assessed healthcare requirements, regardless of your personal income or financial assets. To qualify, you must be assessed as having a "primary health need," meaning your care requires skilled management due to the overall nature, complexity, intensity, or unpredictability of your condition. Eligibility is not linked to a specific diagnosis and can cover the full cost of care provided either in your own home or in a residential care setting.

The assessment process generally follows a two-stage approach under the National Framework:

• The Checklist: A preliminary screening tool completed by a healthcare professional (such as a doctor, nurse, or social worker) to determine if a full evaluation is warranted.

• The Decision Support Tool (DST): A comprehensive, full assessment conducted by a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) evaluating 12 healthcare domains (e.g., cognition, mobility, behaviour, breathing) to establish whether a primary health need exists.

If the Integrated Care Board (ICB) decides you are ineligible or withdraws funding following a routine review, our specialist solicitors can assist you in reviewing and formally appealing the decision.

Navigating NHS funding criteria can be challenging, especially when managing care arrangements for a loved one who lacks capacity. Our Court of Protection and contentious trusts team provides practical, expert support by examining clinical records, preparing robust evidence for MDT meetings, and representing you during formal local reviews and Independent Review Panels (IRP). We also assist personal representatives and family members with retrospective claims to recover care fees for individuals who paid for their own care but should have received CHC funding during their lifetime. Where appropriate, we can offer assistance on a No Win, No Fee basis.