NHS CHC Funding
Understanding CHC funding
The Continuing Healthcare process is complex and often misunderstood. Rather than trying to summarise it here, we’ve put together a clear, plain-English overview explaining the different care funding routes in England and how they fit together.
Why CHC funding can feel so difficult
NHS Continuing Healthcare is not decided by diagnosis, age, or how distressing a situation feels, but by how needs are assessed and evidenced against a national framework. Decisions rely on professional judgement across multiple domains, and on how needs interact with one another over time. This means that outcomes can vary, evidence can be interpreted differently, and families are often left unsure how to present what they live with every day in a way that fits the process. The result is a system that can feel opaque and inconsistent, even when genuine needs are present.
For those who want to see the official guidance this process is based on, the National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare is published by NHS England.
View the National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare (NHS England)
What the national picture shows
Publicly available data shows that many CHC applications are not successful at first decision, and that outcomes often change following review or appeal. This reflects the complexity of the process, rather than the absence of need.
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Initial eligibility rates
Public NHS data shows that only a minority of people are found eligible at first full assessment for NHS Continuing Healthcare. Nationally, this is commonly reported at around one in five to one in four cases. -
Appeals and reviews can change outcomes
A significant proportion of decisions are overturned or revised at review or appeal, particularly where additional or clearer evidence is provided. This suggests that initial decisions do not always reflect the full picture of need. -
Variation between areas
Eligibility rates vary noticeably between different parts of England. This reflects differences in local interpretation and practice, rather than differences in the underlying needs of individuals — often referred to as a “postcode effect”.
A reassuring note
The figures above can feel discouraging at first glance, but they don’t tell the whole story.
Many initial decisions are made on the information available at the time and on how needs are presented against the framework, rather than on the absence of genuine need. Outcomes can change when evidence is clearer, when needs are considered together, and when the overall picture is properly understood.
Preparation isn’t about persuading or arguing — it’s about making sure the reality of day-to-day needs is visible, coherent and understood within the process.
You don’t need to know everything at once, and you don’t have to rush. Taking time to understand the framework and organise information calmly can make the process feel more manageable, whatever the eventual outcome.
How our preparation tools can help
The preparation tools on this site are designed to support families in making sense of the CHC process and organising information in a way that reflects the framework.
They include a structured workbook and an AI-supported tool that work together to help you:
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Think through needs domain by domain
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Capture day-to-day reality clearly and consistently
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Consider how needs interact, rather than viewing them in isolation
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Arrive at an informed, organised picture you can share with assessors if you choose
The tools do not assess eligibility, influence decisions, or replace professional advice. They are there to support understanding, preparation and confidence — helping families engage with the process more calmly and clearly.
The preparation tools are available individually or as a bundle, so you can choose what feels right for your situation.
You don’t need to use everything, and there’s no expectation that you progress beyond what’s helpful for you.
Our available CHC tools
CHC Funding Checklist
10£Discover our Interactive Tool - CHC Checklist to help assess if your loved one may qualify for a CHC full assessment. Navigate eligibility with ease today.CHC Funding Assessment Preparation
55£Step-by-step CHC Funding preparation with a clear process guide, downloadable workbook, and access to an interactive AI tool to help organise needs and evidence before assessment.CHC Funding Review Process
49£Structured support for CHC reviews and retrospective claims, including a clear process guide, downloadable Word workbook, and an AI tool to help analyse decisions, evidence, and next steps.
Combined bundle
This option brings together all three tools for families who want support across more than one stage of the process.
It won’t be right for everyone — some people only need help preparing for an assessment, while others may never need to look at review or appeal.
The bundle is simply there for those who feel it would be helpful to have everything available in one place.
Best Value
The Full CHC Funding Bundle
95
Complete CHC Funding support in one bundle: checklist, full assessment preparation tools, and review/retrospective support with guides, workbooks, and AI tools to support you at every stage.
Valid until canceled