If a family member paid care home fees that should have been funded by the NHS, you may be able to reclaim them through a retrospective CHC review. This guide explains who qualifies, the time limits, and includes a letter template.
This guide is part of ProbateHelp's Support & Benefits guide cluster. Estimated reading time: 20 min.
Also searched as: n h s continuing healthcare; n h s continuing healthcare claim; nhs continuing healthcare.
There is no fixed amount. It depends on how long the person was eligible and what the care cost. The ICB calculates any repayment from the eligible care costs for the period, less any NHS-funded nursing care already paid.
The ICB will usually contact the care home to obtain records. You do not need to involve the care home directly, although it can help to tell them a review is underway so they can locate the relevant records promptly.
The ICB should consider the evidence that remains available, such as GP records, hospital records, local authority records, invoices and family evidence. Missing records can make the case harder, but they should not automatically end the review.
Yes. GOV.UK describes this as a request for a previously unassessed period of care. The request should explain why there is objective evidence that the person should have been considered for NHS Continuing Healthcare at the time.
NHS-funded nursing care is a weekly NHS payment to nursing homes for the registered nursing element of care where the person does not qualify for full NHS Continuing Healthcare. From 1 April 2026, the standard rate in England is £267.68 per week and the higher rate is £368.24 per week for those who still qualify for the old higher band.
A CHC repayment increases the value of the estate. If the estate is above the inheritance tax threshold, the executor may need to tell HMRC and account for any extra tax due.