What is CHC Funding?

What is NHS CHC funding?

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a funding option where the NHS covers the nursing care costs of a person’s stay in a care home. This funding is provided as a flat fee, paid directly to the care home.

Who is responsible for applying for CHC funding?

Typically, the individual or their representative takes the lead in applying for CHC funding. This process can be initiated through a family doctor or social worker, who will then forward the case to the relevant Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) in England for evaluation and a decision.

CHC funding is determined by strict assessment criteria and does not depend on financial means or viability.

Does CHC eligibility differ from area to area?

The government has established a National Framework to guide the assessment of continuing healthcare funding. This framework is designed to ensure that all assessors use consistent criteria, eliminating regional differences.

To qualify for CHC, an individual’s need for care must be primarily healthcare related rather than social care related. The CCG must determine that the care required is mainly due to a health condition, often referred to as a ‘primary health need.’

Additionally, the health needs must be classed as complex, intense, and unpredictable, or a combination of these factors. It’s important to note that eligibility for funding is based on the nature of a person’s health needs, not just their diagnosis.

Advice about paying for care

Securing professional advice on funding care costs is crucial. We recommend consulting with a care fees expert to ensure you explore all available options.

To simplify this process, we’ve contacted Symponia, a national care fees planning specialist focused on the financial aspects of later life, particularly the payment of care fees. Learn more about how Symponia can assist you.

Download their helpful handbook.