Are decisions about eligibility consistent?
There is no easy definition of when someone becomes eligible for CHC rather than other social care. A national framework sets out how decisions should be made, based on the nature, intensity, complexity and unpredictability of a condition.
However, people told us they were denied CHC despite meeting the criteria. Some had funding removed after three-month reviews and subsequent annual reviews, even though their needs either hadn’t changed or even worsened.
“I have incurable cancer… My CHC funding stopped… I’ve now run out of money and the care home said they could ask me to leave.” — Story shared with Healthwatch Gloucestershire
Appealing a decision was possible, but often painful and confusing. Throughout, people described a lack of communication and compassion among those involved.
“…we’d been asking time & time again for an NHSCHC reassessment. The only answer people give is “I doubt she’d get it. Nobody gets it.” …The GP said it wasn’t his responsibility, as it was to do with finances. The nursing home said it wasn’t their responsibility.” — Story shared with Healthwatch Medway
Data from NHS England shows that although the average number of people referred for a CHC assessment has not significantly changed since 2017, the percentage of those found eligible has greatly decreased.
For example, in quarter one of 2017/18, 31% of people assessed for CHC funding were found eligible. The most recent data from quarter one of 2025/26 shows that only 17% of people were found eligible – a 14% reduction.