Speak to a CHC Specialist
NHS Continuing Healthcare decisions can have significant financial implications for families.
Our CHC Eligibility Consultation & Action Plan provides independent advice so families understand whether NHS funding may apply before committing to private care costs.
Contact us to arrange your consultation and receive clear guidance on the next steps.
CHC Eligibility Consultation & Action Plan
Fixed Fee: £395
This service includes:
✔ Consultation with a specialist in NHS Continuing Healthcare assessments
✔ Review of the person’s current health needs and care arrangements
✔ Explanation of the CHC assessment framework
✔ Discussion of potential eligibility indicators
✔ Written CHC Action Plan outlining recommended next steps
When Families Request CHC Advice
Families commonly request advice when:
• A relative is entering or living in a care home
• Health needs have increased significantly
• The NHS or local authority has mentioned CHC eligibility
• A CHC Checklist has been suggested or completed
• Families want to understand whether the NHS should fund care
Understanding CHC eligibility early can prevent families paying care costs unnecessarily.
What Happens During the Consultation
The consultation is a structured discussion designed to explain the CHC framework clearly and practically.
During the consultation we will:
• review the person’s health needs and care requirements
• explain how the CHC Checklist assessment works
• discuss the role of the Decision Support Tool (DST)
• explain how the Primary Health Need test is applied
• identify potential indicators of CHC eligibility
• discuss realistic next steps and options
The aim is to provide families with clear understanding of the CHC process and their relative’s potential eligibility.
Your CHC Action Plan
Following the consultation, we provide a written CHC Action Plan summarising the key issues identified and the recommended next steps.
This may include:
✔ analysis of the person’s health needs in relation to CHC criteria
✔ explanation of the Primary Health Need test
✔ advice on whether a CHC Checklist assessment should be requested
✔ guidance on preparing for a Decision Support Tool (DST) assessment
✔ recommendations for further specialist support where appropriate
The purpose of the action plan is to provide clear direction before decisions are made about funding care privately.
Understanding NHS Continuing Healthcare
NHS Continuing Healthcare is a fully funded package of care arranged and funded by the NHS.
Eligibility is not based on diagnosis or where care is provided.
Instead, it depends on whether a person’s needs amount to a Primary Health Need.
The assessment process usually involves:
• a CHC Checklist screening assessment
• a Decision Support Tool (DST) completed by a multidisciplinary team
• a final decision by the Integrated Care Board (ICB)
You can learn more about the CHC assessment framework here:
Understanding the Primary Health Need Test
The central legal test in NHS Continuing Healthcare is whether a person has a Primary Health Need.
This considers four key characteristics:
• Nature of the needs
• Intensity of care required
• Complexity of needs
• Unpredictability of the condition
Where these characteristics indicate that needs are primarily health-related, responsibility for funding care rests with the NHS rather than the local authority.
You can read more about this test here:
Why Choose Nellie Supports for Your Care Funding Appeal?
We're not just another CHC Appeals provider. We’re with you every step of the way. As the UK’s largest private social work practice, we bring over 50 years of combined expertise, grounded in compassionate, person-centred care coupled with legal expertise
Our in-house solicitor has over 10 years' hands-on experience acting as a professional deputy and attorney for vulnerable individuals. This means real-world knowledge of managing finances, navigating care systems, and making complex decisions on behalf of others—not just theoretical legal advice.
Ruth is a fully qualified and regulated solicitor registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). This means you're receiving advice from a legal professional held to the highest standards of conduct, competence, and client protection.
Care funding and attorney law is complicated enough without confusing jargon. We explain everything in clear, straightforward language so you understand your options, your responsibilities, and your next steps—no legal dictionary required.
All our costs are provided upfront with no hidden fees. You'll know exactly what you're paying for before you commit, and we'll never surprise you with unexpected charges. If ongoing work is needed, we'll provide a clear quote before proceeding.
If you're acting as an attorney or deputy, you can pay for legal and financial advice using your loved one's funds—as long as it's in their best interests. Our solicitor can confirm this applies to your situation and ensure you're acting within your legal authority.
We don't work for Local Authorities, care homes, or the NHS. We work for you. Our advice is completely independent, focused on protecting your loved one's rights and interests, and delivered with the compassion and respect every family deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Expert Insights into Care Funding
Care Funding
Explore our articles on care funding, CHC appeals, attorney duties, and Local Authority disputes—covering common challenges, practical guidance, and expert insights for families, solicitors, and deputies navigating complex care and financial decisions.
Yes, in most cases. If you're acting as an attorney or deputy, it's permissible to pay for legal and financial advice using your loved one's funds, as you're acting in their best interests. Our solicitor can confirm this applies to your situation during your consultation.
An attorney is appointed under a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) by someone while they still have capacity. A deputy is appointed by the Court of Protection when someone lacks capacity and hasn't set up an LPA. Both roles involve managing finances and/or care decisions, but deputies have additional reporting obligations to the court.
It varies depending on your circumstances, but we've seen clients save thousands of pounds per year by identifying errors in disability-related expenditure, housing costs, or pension calculations. Over the long term, these savings can be substantial.
Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is fully funded NHS care for people with complex health needs—it's free at the point of use. Local Authority funding is means-tested social care, where you may have to contribute based on your income and assets. Many people are wrongly denied CHC and forced to pay for care they should receive for free.
It's helpful but not essential. For care cost reviews or contract advice, having relevant documents (care assessments, contracts, financial statements) will allow us to provide more detailed guidance. We'll let you know what to bring when you book.
Yes. Our Advocacy & Hourly Rate Advice service allows us to represent you in disputes with Local Authorities or NHS bodies. We can liaise on your behalf, draft complaints and appeals, and negotiate for the best outcome. For court representation, we can refer you to specialist barristers if needed.
Our Advocacy & Hourly Rate Advice service is flexible and can be tailored to your needs. Whether you need one-off support or ongoing representation through a CHC appeal or Local Authority dispute, we'll provide a transparent quote and work with you every step of the way.
It varies. Local Resolution can take a few weeks to a few months. If it progresses to an Independent Review Panel (IRP), it can take 6–12 months or longer. We'll guide you through each stage and keep you informed throughout the process.
If the assessment finds that someone lacks capacity for a specific decision, the report will clearly explain why and where appropriate recommend safeguards. This might include appointing a deputy through the Court of Protection, creating a best interests decision-making framework, or involving healthcare professionals in medical decisions. The report provides evidence to support whatever action is needed.
All care funding support across all three routes: self-funding advice, NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) applications and appeals, Local Authority disputes and advocacy, care cost reviews, retrospective CHC claims, and transitions between funding routes. It does NOT include capacity assessments, social care services, or care planning—those are available as separate add-ons
No. Most clients pay far less. The £8,500 cap is a safety net for complex cases that go to tribunal, ombudsman, or involve multiple route transitions. If your case resolves quickly—say with a one-hour consultation (£250) or successful CHC application (£1,500)—that's all you'll pay.
Then you'll pay £250 plus VAT. There's no minimum commitment. The guarantee simply protects you from spiralling costs if your case becomes drawn-out or complex.
Yes. Whether you start self-funding and transition to CHC, or your CHC funding is removed and you move to Local Authority funding, the £8,500 cap covers your entire journey—regardless of how many route changes happen.
NHS Continuing Healthcare Consultation
CHC Eligibility Consultation & Action Plan – Understand Whether the NHS Should Fund Care
When someone develops significant health needs, their care may be the responsibility of the NHS rather than the local authority.
This funding is known as NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC).
Many families are unaware that CHC exists, or they are told their relative is not eligible without fully understanding how the assessment process works.
Our CHC Eligibility Consultation & Action Plan helps families understand whether NHS Continuing Healthcare may apply and what steps should happen next.
During the consultation we explain:
• how the NHS Continuing Healthcare assessment process works
• the purpose of the CHC Checklist and Decision Support Tool (DST)
• how the Primary Health Need test is applied
• when eligibility decisions may be incorrect or challengeable
The consultation provides clear guidance before families assume they must fund care privately.
Following the consultation, you will receive a written CHC Action Plan outlining the most appropriate next steps.