What is CHC Funding?

It is an all too familiar story: a loved one needs care, and suddenly you're thrust into a confusing world of NHS jargon, forms, and endless questions. It can feel like you're lost in a maze, with no map and no one to guide you.

That's why we sat down with Andrew Farley, an expert from Farley Dwek, a law firm that has spent nearly two decades helping families navigate this very maze.

Andrew explained that many care givers might be missing out on crucial support, including NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC), simply because of the lack of awareness about the criteria for CHC Funding and how to apply for it.

But what is CHC funding and who is eligible for it?

This blog aims to answer all of those questions and provide practical advice to help families access the care funding they may be entitled to.

What is CHC Funding?

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a package of care made available by the NHS to pay for the long-term care costs of people with very high-level medical needs. It is sometimes known as NHS CHC, CHC Funding or simply CHC.

The system is non-means tested, meaning that people who are self-funding their care can still have some of it funded by the NHS if their needs are high enough.

However, according to Andrew, many people are simply not aware of it and the process of applying for it can be difficult for some people.

He explained: “It often flies under the radar because it's not widely known about and isn't shouted about very often. The system is complex, involved, stressful, and difficult to achieve. This creates the misconception that it's only for those who can't afford care, but this is not the case. Applying for CHC funding is a legitimate right for those who qualify, and it is crucial to dispel the myth that it is based on a person’s financial situation.”

Andrew advised anyone who has or looks after someone with high-level care needs to check the NHS website to see if they are eligible and seek legal advice if they run into any difficulties.

Common misconceptions about CHC Funding

Many families are turned down for NHS Continuing Healthcare, and they just accept it, due to their misunderstanding about whether they meet the criteria for CHC Funding, so they assume they’ve reached the end of the road, according to Andrew. However, this is not always the case.

Andrew has been helping families navigate this maze for nearly 14 years and there are three big myths that come up time and again. The first? That you need to be at the very end of life to qualify. This is not true.

So, if you’re still asking the question ‘what is CHC funding and who is eligible?’  the NHS Website helps to dispel the myths and provide further clarification. It states that you may meet the criteria for CHC Funding if you have needs arising from disability, accident or illness that cannot be met by existing universal or specialist services alone.

You will need to be assessed by a team of healthcare professionals to determine your needs.

The second misconception according to Andrew is that NHS CHC is only for people with no savings. However, your savings do not impact your eligibility. He added: “CHC is non-means tested, even people with money can have that care fully funded by the NHS if their needs are high enough.”

He explained that the third biggest misconception is that CHC is impossible to get. Although it can be a complex and extremely difficult process, it is not impossible. Rather, the biggest difficulty lies in people not knowing how to apply: “Perhaps you've been told, ‘Nobody ever gets it’,” said Andrew, adding: "I’ve heard this from many people. The truth is, that's not how it works at all.”

He emphasised that the key thing to remember is that people are getting it and it is not impossible. With the right support and clear guidance, it can be done. He explained: “If you or someone you love might be eligible, it’s worth asking the question. You might be closer to help than you think.”

Where to begin the process of applying for NHS CHC?

Now that you're familiar with what CHC Funding is and the criteria for applying, you may be wondering how to apply.

The problem is that even just the thought of applying for NHS Continuing Healthcare can feel intimidating. It’s unfamiliar, full of medical jargon and official forms, and it often comes at a time when your energy is already stretched thin. Yet, if you know what to expect, and if you get familiar with the criteria for CHC Funding, it can seem far less daunting.

It starts with approaching a healthcare professional to get a basic checklist screening to see if an in-depth assessment is needed. Before a checklist is completed, your healthcare professional should explain the process to you. You should also be given a copy of the Public Information Leaflet: NHS CHC and NHS-Funded Nursing Care produced by the Department of Health and Social Care.

If the basic criteria seems to have been met, a full assessment follows, usually carried out by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals known as the Integrated Care Board (ICB). They look at your needs across various areas and decide if you qualify. Many people who should qualify for NHS funding are turned down, which only adds to the confusion around who is eligible. Often, this happens because applicants don’t fully understand how their situation meets the criteria, and the application process itself can be complex and overwhelming.

Andrew said: “If you are unsuccessful in being approved for CHC funding after a full assessment has been carried out, there is an appeal process and yes, people do successfully appeal.”

Why it is so important to understand the criteria for CHC Funding?

With so many misconceptions about CHC funding among both care seekers and some healthcare professionals, it is increasingly important to understand your rights, eligibility, and the process. If you’re still asking the question ‘what is CHC funding and who can apply?'  this is exactly the stage where having guidance can make a real difference.

As Andrew puts it, “Most people have busy lives. It’s not an easy thing to do on your own. It is important to ask the right questions. But there is help out there for people who need it.”

Specialist legal firms like Farley Dwek offer free consultation to help people understand what they are eligible for and give people more information on how to begin their application. For a comprehensive list of organisations offering funding advice, visit the Autumna Funding Information page.

Looking for more information on CHC funding?

If you are navigating the world of NHS CHC and need more information on how it all works, Autumna can help. You can read more about the various options available to you, including NHS Continuing Healthcare in our NHS Continuing Healthcare Guide and Ultimate Guide to Self-Funding Care.

In addition, if you are looking for care providers, Autumna can help with that too. Simply head over to our homepage and choose the type of care you need and type your location into the search bar to view a list of results.

Alternatively, our shortlisting tool can do the hard work for you. It starts by generating a tailored set of questions, and your answers will then refine the search to create an even more personalised list of care providers.

If you need help with any part of your care planning, our friendly, knowledgeable advisors are here for you too. Call us on 01892 335 330.