Question 1

What is NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)?

Accepted Answer

NHS Continuing Healthcare is a package of care that is fully funded by the NHS for people with significant ongoing health needs. It covers the full cost of care at home, in a care home, or in a hospice.

Question 2

Is CHC means-tested?

Accepted Answer

No. Unlike social care provided by local authorities, CHC is not means-tested. Your savings, income, or whether you own your home does not affect eligibility.

Question 3

How do you qualify for CHC funding?

Accepted Answer

You must be assessed as having a primary health need, using the NHS Decision Support Tool (DST). This means your needs are mainly for healthcare, rather than social care.

Question 4

What is a CHC Checklist?

Accepted Answer

The checklist is an initial screening tool to decide whether a full CHC assessment is needed. If the checklist indicates eligibility, you move on to the Decision Support Tool (DST) meeting.

Question 5

What happens at a DST meeting?

Accepted Answer

A DST meeting (also called a Multidisciplinary Team meeting) is where health and social care professionals assess your relative’s needs in 12 “care domains.” Their recommendation goes to the ICB (England) or LHB (Wales).

Question 6

What if CHC funding is refused?

Accepted Answer

You have six months from the decision letter to appeal. The first stage is a Local Resolution with your ICB or LHB. If unsuccessful, you can escalate to an Independent Review Panel (IRP).

Question 7

How long does a CHC appeal take?

Accepted Answer

Timelines vary. Local Resolution appeals should take around 3 months, with IRPs within another 3 months. In practice, delays are common, and cases may take many months to resolve.

Question 8

Can we guarantee CHC funding?

Accepted Answer

No, we cannot guarantee that you will receive NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding — and no provider can. Funding decisions are made by the NHS against national criteria set out in the National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare and NHS-funded Nursing Care.

Question 9

Is Nellie Supports a law firm regulated by the SRA?

Accepted Answer

No. Nellie Supports is not a law firm and is not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). However, our CHC services are solicitor-led, meaning an experienced solicitor oversees your case. This ensures you benefit from both legal expertise and multidisciplinary input, while fees remain transparent and fixed.

Question 10

Do you offer no-win-no-fee agreements?

Accepted Answer

No. Nellie Supports does not offer no-win-no-fee arrangements. We believe this model can create uncertainty for families. Instead, we provide all our CHC services on fixed fees, inclusive of VAT, so you always know the cost in advance with no hidden charges.

Est. 2019

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