The NHS website defines NHS-funded nursing care as, “NHS-funded nursing care is when the NHS pays for the nursing care component of nursing home fees. The NHS pays a flat rate directly to the care home towards the cost of this nursing care.“
NHS-funded nursing care is paid at the same rate across England. On 1 April 2025, the rate was set at £254.06 a week (standard rate).
If you moved into a care home before 1 October 2007, and you were on the previous high band, NHS-funded nursing care is paid at a higher rate of £349.50 a week.
It is not possible for an individual to receive NHS-funded nursing care unless they reside in a registered nursing home.
How is continuing healthcare funding different from NHS-funded nursing care?
NHS Continuing Healthcare funding meets the cost of your care in full. Care is arranged and funded by the NHS for those with an ongoing primary health need which requires care outside of the hospital. This care can take place in a residential, care or nursing home, or a person’s own home.
Continuing healthcare funding differs from funded nursing care in that there is a higher level of criteria to be met before a person is deemed eligible. However, we have found that if a person is receiving funding nursing care then it is an indication that they may be eligible for full continuing healthcare funding, the logic being if they have nursing needs those needs may be serious enough to be considered primary health needs.
You should be assessed for NHS Continuing Healthcare before a decision is made about whether you are eligible for NHS-funded nursing care. You cannot receive funded nursing care and continuing healthcare funding at the same time. It is worth noting that in instances where an individual has not been recognised as having a ‘primary health need’ but has care needs which overreach what funded nursing care can provide, then joint funding between the local authority and Integrated Care Board may be appropriate.
Learn more: What is a primary healthcare need?
Does NHS-funded nursing care actually help?
In reality, the funded nursing care contribution rarely makes a difference to the costs of care. All too often, the weekly payment is completely absorbed by the care homes on miscellaneous costs, and the families barely even notice its contribution when costs can exceed £1,800 a week. In a sense, it’s a token gesture, as it gives families a sense of achieving funding while potentially denying them full NHS Continuing Healthcare funding that could meet the costs of their care in full.
How can we help?
We’re experts in continuing healthcare funding and wholly independent of the NHS. Our team consists of healthcare professionals and qualified lawyers, who combine their skills to determine whether an individual is entitled to continuing healthcare and to provide the best advice and support.
Unsure if you or a loved one qualifies?
If you think you or a loved one may be eligible for CHC funding, don’t delay. We’re here to guide you through every step.
Submit an enquiry to get started.
