Care Fees & Later Life2 min check

NHS Continuing Healthcare Checker

NHS CHC funds 100% of care for people with a 'primary health need'. Answer questions across the 12 care domains for an indicative view.

Short answer

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is fully-funded NHS care for adults with a "primary health need" — care driven mainly by a health condition rather than social need. It pays for all care costs (home or care home) with no means-test. Eligibility is decided across 12 care domains; one "severe" or two "high" usually triggers consideration. Estimated 50–60% of those eligible never get assessed.

Step 1 of 30%

Calculation method, coverage and version

Inputs used: Behaviour, Cognition / dementia, Psychological / emotional needs, Communication, Mobility, Nutrition (food/drink), Continence, Skin (incl. wounds), Breathing, Drug therapies / medication, Altered states of consciousness, Other significant needs.
Calculation approach: The calculator applies the rules and assumptions described in “How it works” to the values you enter. Rounding can cause small differences from an official or provider calculation.
Coverage: Care Fees & Later Life. UK nations, tax treatment, local rules and provider criteria can differ; check the official sources shown below before acting.
Content version: No page-specific review date is currently published. Treat the result as indicative and verify current rules independently.

Not included unless explicitly requested: personal circumstances not entered, provider discretion, future rule changes, professional fees and case-specific exceptions. Read the full calculator methodology.

Primary sources and official verification

Use these official sources to verify current rules before acting. Coverage and dates can differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

NHS continuing healthcare guidance — NHS

See the sitewide source policy.

How it works

An initial Checklist (low bar) is completed by a GP, social worker or hospital. If passed, a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) completes a full Decision Support Tool (DST) scoring each domain Priority/Severe/High/Moderate/Low/None. The decision considers nature, intensity, complexity and unpredictability of needs — not just the score.

Worked example

Late-stage dementia with falls, choking risk, behavioural symptoms and complex medication = likely 2-3 high domains + cognition severe → strong CHC case. Total saving: £60,000–£100,000+/year vs self-funding nursing care.

Who should use this

•Anyone with significant nursing needs (not just personal care)
•Families currently self-funding care home placement
•People recently discharged from hospital with complex needs
•Anyone refused CHC who suspects a wrong decision

Common mistakes

×Not requesting a Checklist — it must be offered but rarely is
×Letting the assessor underscore needs — bring evidence and a friend
×Accepting refusal without appeal — Independent Review Panels overturn many decisions
×Confusing CHC with Funded Nursing Care (£235.88/week — much smaller)

Frequently asked questions

Who pays before CHC is decided?▾

You do, then get refunded if successful. Push for fast-track if life expectancy is under 12 weeks.

Does CHC cover home care?▾

Yes — CHC funds care wherever you live. Personal Health Budgets allow you to manage the funds.

Can I get help?▾

Beacon CHC offers free advice; specialist solicitors handle complex appeals.

Related calculators

Reclaim Care Fees Checker →Care Home Fees Calculator →Care Funding Options →Means Test Calculator →