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Care & Will Planning2 min check

Reclaim Care Fees Checker

Check whether past care fees might be reclaimable via a retrospective NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) review.

Short answer

If you self-funded care from 1 April 2012 onwards and the person had significant nursing/health needs, you may be able to reclaim fees retrospectively through a Previously Unassessed Period (PUP) review. NHS England closed pre-2012 claims. Successful claims refund all care fees plus 8% statutory interest. Process takes 12–24 months and can recover £50,000–£300,000+.
Step 1 of 10%

About the care

£

How it works

You request a PUP review from the local Integrated Care Board (ICB). The ICB gathers GP, hospital and care home records, completes a retrospective Decision Support Tool, and decides eligibility. If refused, you can escalate to an Independent Review Panel and ultimately to the Parliamentary & Health Service Ombudsman.

Worked example

Mother in nursing care 2018–2022 with vascular dementia, falls and complex medication — paid £85,000 in fees. Successful retrospective CHC claim recovers £85,000 + ~£15,000 interest = £100,000.

Who should use this

  • Families of someone who died in nursing care since 2012
  • Self-funders still in care with significant health needs
  • Anyone refused CHC at the time who didn't appeal
  • Estates with care home invoices on record

Common mistakes

  • ×Using a no-win-no-fee firm taking 25–35% (free help available from Beacon CHC)
  • ×Missing the deadline to request review (no fixed limit but ICBs resist old cases)
  • ×Not gathering medical records early (some are destroyed after 8 years)
  • ×Accepting first refusal — appeal success rates are 30–50%

Frequently asked questions

Can I claim for someone who has died?

Yes — the executor or next of kin can claim on behalf of the estate.

What records do I need?

GP records, hospital discharge summaries, care home daily notes, medication lists, and any social services assessments.

Is it worth using a solicitor?

Free help (Beacon) handles most cases. Use a solicitor only for complex appeals or large estates.

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