Long-term care in the UK can cost tens of thousands of pounds a year, and yet many families do not realise that the NHS may pay the bill in full in certain cases. NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a package of care funding for adults with significant ongoing health needs. According to charities, many eligible people miss out simply because the system is difficult to navigate.

Here are six steps to help families claim what they may be due.

Step 1: Understand what NHS Continuing Healthcare covers

CHC is care arranged and funded by the NHS for people aged 18 or over with a 'primary health need'. It can pay for care in a care home, nursing home or even at home, including nursing care, personal care, and a range of related costs.

It is means-tested only on health need, not financial Assets, so even wealthy families can qualify if the criteria are met.

Step 2: Ask for a checklist assessment

The first step is usually a checklist assessment by a healthcare professional. It is a screening tool and only indicates whether a full assessment should follow.

If you believe a loved one may qualify, you can request this assessment through the GP, hospital discharge team or local social services.

Step 3: Prepare for the full assessment

If the checklist is positive, a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) will carry out a full assessment using the Decision Support Tool. They look at 12 care domains, including mobility, behaviour and cognition.

Families can attend, prepare records and even bring an advocate. Detailed notes on day-to-day care needs can strengthen the application.

Can families challenge decisions?

Yes. Families can request reviews or appeals if they disagree with a CHC decision. The process can be lengthy, but charities and specialist solicitors can help.

Step 4: Consider Funded Nursing Care

If full CHC is not awarded, those receiving nursing home care may still qualify for NHS Funded Nursing Care, which contributes to the cost of nursing-related elements of care.

This can be a useful backstop, particularly when funding decisions are borderline.

Step 5: Coordinate with local authority means-testing

If neither full CHC nor Funded Nursing Care applies, local authority care funding may step in for those with assets below certain thresholds. The rules differ between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Means-tests typically include savings and, in some cases, the value of the family home.

Step 6: Get advice and keep records

Specialist advisers, charities such as Age UK, and organisations like Beacon CHC can help navigate the process. Detailed care diaries, GP records and medication lists can all support an application.

Keeping copies of correspondence and decisions is vital, particularly if appealing.

How long does it all take?

Initial assessments can be completed within weeks, but full reviews, appeals and disputes can take many months. Care fees may need to be paid in the meantime, although successful appeals can result in retrospective payments.

What about retrospective claims?

Families can sometimes claim retrospective CHC funding for care already paid for, although the rules and time limits are strict. Specialist advice is usually needed.

Why this matters now

With care costs rising and pension and IHT rules changing, knowing how NHS funding works can save UK families substantial sums and reduce the strain on the family home and pension pots.

Key Takeaways

NHS Continuing Healthcare can fund care for those with significant health needs.

Eligibility is based on health, not finances.

Checklist and full Decision Support Tool assessments determine outcomes.

Funded Nursing Care and local authority funding provide backstops.

Specialist advice can help navigate the process and appeals.