What is NHS Continuing Healthcare?

NHS Continuing Healthcare — usually shortened to CHC — is a package of care arranged and fully funded by the NHS for adults who have a primary health need. If your loved one qualifies, the NHS pays for all of their care costs, including accommodation if they are in a care home. Crucially, it is entirely means-test free. Savings, property and income are completely irrelevant to eligibility.

What does "primary health need" mean?

It means that a person's main need is a health need, rather than a social or personal care need. It is not linked to a specific diagnosis — someone with dementia, Parkinson's, a stroke, or a complex neurological condition may or may not qualify depending on the nature and intensity of their needs. The assessment looks at the whole picture: how complex, intense and unpredictable those needs are across 12 care domains including behaviour, cognition, communication, mobility, nutrition, skin integrity, continence, breathing and medication.

How does the assessment work?

There are two stages. First, a healthcare professional completes a CHC Checklist — a brief screening tool. If the checklist indicates a person may be eligible, a full Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Assessment follows, carried out by a team of health and social care professionals. The decision should be made within 28 days of the checklist. If a person is deteriorating rapidly or has a terminal illness, a Fast Track pathway can fast-forward the process significantly.

What does it cover?

If awarded, CHC covers the full cost of care — including care home fees and accommodation if in a residential or nursing home, or the full cost of a home care package if living at home. It does not cover everyday personal costs such as clothing, toiletries or social outings.

Why do so many families miss out?

The honest answer is that families are frequently not told they can apply — particularly during hospital discharge, when teams are under pressure and focused on moving patients on quickly. The assessment process can also be inconsistently applied, and many families who have been declined at the checklist stage were eligible for a full MDT assessment they never received. A successful CHC application can save a family hundreds of thousands of pounds over a loved one's lifetime.

If you think your loved one may be eligible, we can help you understand whether it is worth pursuing and how to approach it with confidence. Speak to a care adviser →