Continuing NHS Healthcare

Continuing NHS Healthcare, also known as CHC, is a package of on-going care that is arranged and paid for by the NHS, for adults aged 18 or over.

You will be eligible for CHC if your Local Health Board assesses you as having a primary health need.

If eligible for CHC, your care will be funded by the NHS but this is subject to review and should your care needs change the funding arrangements may also change.

Direct Payments for Continuing NHS Healthcare 

Direct Payments for Continuing NHS Healthcare are available in Wales from April 2026. 

Direct Payments enable you to arrange care or support services yourself instead of receiving a package of care or support arranged by the NHS. 

You need to have had a Continuing NHS Healthcare assessment and be eligible for Continuing NHS Healthcare in order to receive Direct Payments. 

Direct Payments mean you can have more control over the support you need, and make important choices about your Continuing NHS Healthcare. The payments, however, must be used to meet the needs for which social services have agreed you should have help. 

To be eligible for Direct Payments we need to be satisfied that your needs can be met in this way and that you are able to manage the Direct Payments, either alone or with help and support. 

The Welsh Government published an updated framework for CHC in July 2021 for implementation in April 2022. Please click here for the Framework.

The Framework sets out their policy for eligibility for CHC, and the responsibilities of NHS organisations and local authorities under the Framework and related matters.

The Framework includes a process for the NHS, working together with local authority partners, to assess health needs, decide on eligibility for CHC and provide appropriate care. 

The purpose of the Framework is to provide a consistent foundation for assessing, commissioning and providing CHC for adults across Wales.