Author and Publication
Author: Ben Slater, Registered Social Worker, Founder and Managing Director of Nellie Supports
Reviewed by: Kerry Slater, Director of Operations
Last reviewed: 20 July 2026
Citation
1. Department of Health and Social Care (2022) National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare and NHS-funded Nursing Care. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-framework-for-nhs-continuing-healthcare-and-nhs-funded-nursing-care
2. Care Act 2014, c. 23. Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/23/contents
3. Department for Work and Pensions. Attendance Allowance. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance
4. The Care and Support (Charging and Assessment of Resources) Regulations 2014, SI 2014/2672.
Copywright
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Abstract
This guide explains how Attendance Allowance and similar disability benefits interact with NHS Continuing Healthcare. It covers the general principle that these benefits are affected where care costs are met from public funds in a care home, the different position where care is delivered at home, the importance of notifying the Department for Work and Pensions, the risk of overpayment, and where to check the current rules.
Attendance Allowance and NHS Continuing Healthcare
Attendance Allowance and NHS Continuing Healthcare interact in a way that catches families out, and the consequence of getting it wrong is an overpayment that has to be repaid. The position differs considerably between a care home and someone's own home.
The general principle
Disability benefits that contribute towards care costs, including Attendance Allowance, the care component of Disability Living Allowance and the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment, are generally affected where a person is living in a care home and the cost of that placement is met from public funds. NHS Continuing Healthcare is public funding for this purpose.
In a care home
Where a person eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare lives in a care home, the placement is funded by the NHS, and payment of Attendance Allowance or the equivalent components would normally stop after an initial period. The rules set a defined period before payment ceases, and the position should be confirmed with the Department for Work and Pensions rather than assumed.
At home
Where care is delivered in the person's own home, the position is generally different, and Attendance Allowance is not usually affected in the same way. This is one of several respects in which the setting changes the practical consequences of eligibility even though it does not affect eligibility itself.
Tell the Department for Work and Pensions
This is the practical point that matters most. Notify the Department for Work and Pensions when NHS Continuing Healthcare funding starts. Payments that continue when they should have stopped create an overpayment, and overpayments are recoverable. Notifying promptly is far easier than dealing with a recovery months later.
Backdated awards create a risk
Where funding is awarded and backdated, benefit may have been paid during a period now covered by NHS funding. That can create an overpayment for a period already past. Raise it at the point the award is made rather than waiting, since dealing with it proactively is considerably less difficult.
Check the current position
Benefit rules and the periods involved change, and the interaction depends on the specific benefit and circumstances. Check the current position on GOV.UK or with the Department for Work and Pensions, and take welfare benefits advice where the situation is not straightforward. This guide explains the framework rather than any individual entitlement.
Key takeaway
Attendance Allowance is generally affected where NHS Continuing Healthcare funds a care home placement, but usually not where care is at home. Notify the Department for Work and Pensions promptly, watch for overpayment where an award is backdated, and check the current rules.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Attendance Allowance stop if CHC is awarded?
Generally where the person is in a care home funded by the NHS, payment would normally stop after an initial period. Where care is delivered at home the position is usually different. Confirm with the Department for Work and Pensions.
Do we have to tell the DWP?
Yes, and promptly. Payments continuing when they should have stopped create an overpayment, and overpayments are recoverable. Notifying at the outset is far easier than dealing with recovery later.
What if the award is backdated?
Benefit may have been paid during a period now covered by NHS funding, which can create an overpayment for a past period. Raise it when the award is made rather than waiting for it to be identified.
Related NHS Continuing Healthcare pages
These links take you to the most relevant Nellie Supports service page and to the supporting guides that explain the surrounding process.
Speak to an independent CHC specialist
Nellie Supports prepares independent needs evidence for NHS Continuing Healthcare assessments, reviews and appeals across England and Wales. Our reports are written by registered social workers on a permanent employed team, with internal peer review before release. Call 0333 987 5118 or send an enquiry and we will talk through where you are in the process.