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NHS care

NHS Continuing Healthcare

NHS-funded care package for people with complex, ongoing health needs — not means-tested, potentially funds all care costs.

Information onlyLast verified 24 April 2026

Who it helps

Adults with complex, ongoing health needs that go beyond the scope of routine social care.

The full picture

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a package of care funded entirely by the NHS for adults whose needs are primarily health-related rather than social-care related. It is not means-tested — if your loved one qualifies, the NHS pays for 100% of their care, including in a nursing home, at home, or in a hospice. Eligibility is decided by an NHS assessment called the Decision Support Tool, which scores 12 care domains. The process involves significant clinical judgement and is best started by speaking to your GP, community matron, or hospital discharge team. We don't attempt to score CHC eligibility inside ATFY because the stakes are too high for an app-based tool without clinical input — but it is worth exploring for anyone with complex health needs.

Worth knowing before you apply

  • Not means-tested — savings and income do not matter
  • Eligibility is a clinical judgement, not a tick-box check
  • Start by asking a GP or hospital discharge team — not by applying directly
  • Fast-track applies if someone is rapidly deteriorating or terminally ill

How to claim

Ask your GP, community matron, or hospital discharge team to start the NHS Checklist. If the Checklist is positive, the full Decision Support Tool assessment follows.

Last verified 24 April 2026
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