What families need to know about CHC eligibility in 2026
Recent research has highlighted a concerning shift in access to NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC), with more people than ever losing vital funding during reassessments. The findings, reported in The Carer, show that the proportion of individuals receiving fast-track CHC funding who are later found ineligible at reassessment has increased by almost 30% since 2017, despite no changes to the eligibility criteria.
For families navigating the NHS Continuing Healthcare process, this raises serious concerns about how CHC assessments and reassessments are being carried out across England.
Falling CHC eligibility rates across England
The data shows that CHC eligibility is becoming increasingly difficult to secure. Eligibility rates for standard NHS Continuing Healthcare have fallen significantly over time, dropping from just over 31% in 2017 to around 16.6% in early 2026.
This means that where nearly one in three applicants previously qualified for CHC funding, fewer than one in five are now successful. At the same time, there is significant regional variation, with some areas approving a high proportion of CHC applications while others approve very few. This inconsistency reinforces concerns about a “postcode lottery” in NHS CHC funding decisions.
The real impact of losing NHS CHC funding
NHS Continuing Healthcare funding covers the full cost of care for individuals with a primary health need. When CHC funding is removed following a reassessment, individuals are often moved into means-tested social care, which can result in substantial ongoing costs for families.
For many people, this change happens at a time when care needs remain complex or increasing. Losing CHC funding in these circumstances can create both financial pressure and emotional stress, particularly where families feel decisions do not reflect the individual’s true needs.
Why CHC assessments and reassessments can go wrong
The NHS CHC assessment process is designed to follow a national framework. However, in practice, there can be issues with how assessments and reassessments are carried out.
Families often face situations where:
- needs are not fully or accurately assessed
- important clinical evidence is overlooked
- reassessments do not properly reflect how needs have changed or remained complex
- assessments are delayed or not completed in a timely way.
These factors can all affect CHC eligibility decisions, particularly at the reassessment stage where funding is at risk of being withdrawn.
Why expert CHC support is critical
Given the decline in NHS CHC eligibility rates, having expert support during an assessment or reassessment is more important than ever.
At Compass CHC, we support families through every stage of the CHC process by ensuring that:
- the assessment process is carried out correctly and fairly
- all relevant evidence is clearly presented and aligned to the CHC eligibility criteria
- inaccuracies in the assessment are identified and challenged
- reassessments are completed in a timely manner to protect the individual’s position.
This approach helps ensure decisions accurately reflect the individual’s needs, rather than being affected by errors or inconsistencies in the process.
Learn more: Can fast-track funding be withdrawn?
Improving your chances of CHC funding approval
National data shows that only a small proportion of applicants are found eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare. However, outcomes can vary significantly depending on how a case is prepared, evidenced, and presented.
Compass CHC clients are three times more likely to secure CHC funding compared with the national average. This reflects a structured and evidence-led approach, combined with a detailed understanding of how NHS Continuing Healthcare assessments are applied in practice.
Where families approach the process alone, it is often difficult to identify where mistakes or inconsistencies have occurred. With the right support, these issues can be addressed early, giving individuals the best possible chance of securing or retaining funding.
A changing CHC landscape
The key message from this research is clear. While the rules surrounding NHS Continuing Healthcare eligibility have not changed, outcomes are becoming more difficult and increasingly inconsistent.
For families, this means that the CHC assessment and reassessment process carries greater risk than ever before. Ensuring that everything is handled correctly, from evidence gathering to the timing of assessments, is now essential.
Speak to us about your CHC assessment or reassessment
If you or a loved one are facing an NHS Continuing Healthcare assessment or reassessment, it is important to understand your options as early as possible.
Compass CHC offers a free, no-obligation consultation where you can discuss your individual circumstances in detail. We provide clear, tailored advice based on your specific situation and explain exactly how the CHC process applies to you.
Early advice can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome, particularly where funding is at risk or decisions are time-sensitive. If you would like clarity, reassurance, or expert input on your situation, we encourage you to contact our team to arrange an initial consultation today.
