NHS Continuing Healthcare: what it is and how the assessment works
NHS Continuing Healthcare is free health and social care arranged and funded solely by the NHS for some people with long-term complex health needs. It can be provided at home or in a care home. Eligibility depends on a person’s assessed needs, not on a particular diagnosis.
For England. Last checked 13 November 2026. Next check by 13 February 2027. From the NHS. General information, not financial, legal or medical advice. We cannot say whether anyone will qualify.
In short
- NHS Continuing Healthcare is free health and social care arranged and funded solely by the NHS for some adults with long-term complex health needs (NHS).
- It can be provided at home or in a care home (NHS).
- Eligibility depends on assessed needs, not on a particular diagnosis (NHS).
- Most people have a checklist first, then a full assessment by a team of at least two professionals (NHS).
- A decision about eligibility for a full assessment should usually be made within 28 days (NHS).
- The fast track, for people nearing the end of life, can put care in place usually within 48 hours (NHS).
- Needs and the package are normally reviewed within 3 months, then at least annually (NHS).
What it is
The NHS describes NHS Continuing Healthcare as free health and social care arranged and funded solely by the NHS for some adults with long-term complex health needs. It can be provided outside hospital, such as in your own home or in a care home.
To be eligible, a person is assessed by a team of healthcare professionals, who look at all their care needs and relate them to what help they need, how complex their needs are, how intense they can be and how unpredictable they are. Eligibility depends on assessed needs, not on any particular diagnosis or condition. If needs change, eligibility may change.
How the assessment works
Integrated care boards (ICBs), the NHS organisations that commission local health services, must assess you for NHS Continuing Healthcare if it seems that you may need it.
For most people there is an initial checklist assessment first. It can be completed by a nurse, doctor, other healthcare professional or social worker, and it decides whether you need a full assessment. You should be told you are being assessed and be given a copy of the completed checklist. Being referred for a full assessment does not necessarily mean you will be eligible.
A full assessment is carried out by a multidisciplinary team of at least two professionals from different healthcare professions. They consider needs under headings such as breathing, nutrition, continence, skin, mobility, communication, psychological and emotional needs, cognition, behaviour, drug therapies and medicine, and altered states of consciousness.
Each is weighted from “no needs” through “low”, “moderate”, “high” and “severe” to “priority”. The NHS says that if you have at least one priority need, or severe needs in at least two areas, you can usually expect to be eligible. Other combinations can also lead to eligibility, and the overall need is always taken into account.
A decision about whether you are eligible for a full assessment should usually be made within 28 days of an initial assessment or request for a full assessment.
The fast track
If someone’s health is deteriorating quickly and they are nearing the end of life, they should be considered for the fast-track pathway, so that a care and support package can be put in place as soon as possible, usually within 48 hours.
If you are eligible
The next stage is arranging a care and support package that meets assessed needs. Depending on the situation, options can include support in your own home and a personal health budget. Needs and the package are normally reviewed within 3 months, and then at least annually.
If you are not eligible
The NHS says you can be referred to your local council, who can discuss whether you may be eligible for support from them. If you still have some health needs, the NHS may pay for part of the package of support, which is sometimes called a joint package of care. You can also arrange care privately: see paying for home care in Gloucestershire.
Free independent advice
The NHS page names Beacon, an organisation that gives free independent advice on NHS Continuing Healthcare. The assessment process can be complex, so it is worth speaking to them before or during an assessment. Their helpline number is on the NHS page.
What this guide does not cover
It cannot say whether any person will be eligible. The NHS page we read does not say whether eligibility is or is not means-tested, so we do not say either: ask the ICB or Beacon. It covers England.
Sources we used
- NHS: NHS continuing healthcare (read 13 November 2026)
How we wrote this guide
This guide is general information for England, written by the Cott’s Care team. Cott’s Care Limited (registered with the CQC as Cott’s Care Solutions) is a family-run home care provider in Cheltenham with over 20 years of experience.
Every public fact comes from the official pages listed above, which we read on 13 November 2026. We do not quote benefit amounts, fees or thresholds, because they change: the sources give the current figures. We will check this guide again by 13 February 2027, and sooner if the rules change.
It is not financial, legal or medical advice, and we cannot say whether any person will qualify for a benefit or service. If you spot something that looks out of date, please tell us on 01242 371048.
Cite this guide: Cott’s Care Limited (13 November 2026). NHS Continuing Healthcare: what it is and how the assessment works. https://cottscareltd.co.uk/guides/nhs-continuing-healthcare-explained/
