Free CHC & Care Funding Guides

Free, evidence-based guides on UK care funding. Written in plain English, based on primary legislation.

All articles are reviewed by social workers and care professionals. Our content follows an independent editorial policy with named sources, published dates, and a clear corrections process.

NHS Subject Access Request: 2026 Family Guide (Free Pack)

NHS bodies must answer a Subject Access Request in 1 calendar month. Free 6-letter master pack for GP, hospital, ICB, care home & more — updated for the 2026 DUAA.

Guide

PIP '178 Conditions': What Actually Changed in April 2026

The 178 PIP 'conditions' is a database category, not an eligibility list. From April 2026, new UC health claimants get £217/month unless they meet the SCC.

Guide

PIP Mandatory Reconsideration 2026: Free Letter Template

Only 25% of PIP mandatory reconsiderations succeed — but 64% of tribunal appeals do. Free MR letter generator + 2026 data on when to skip MR for tribunal.

Guide

Primary Health Need: The Legal Test Behind Every CHC Decision

Every NHS Continuing Healthcare decision turns on one legal test — primary health need. Here's what it really means, from Coughlan to the 2022 Framework.

Guide

PUPoC Money Math: How to Calculate Your CHC Reclaim

Three years of self-funded care tops £200,000 before interest. Work out a retrospective CHC reclaim — fees plus NHS interest, which is compound RPI, not 8%.

Guide

Respite Care 2026: Who Pays & How to Get It

Residential respite averages £1,377/week in the UK (2026). NHS CHC, a Carer's Assessment and Fast-Track CHC can fund it — family guide to who pays and how to get it.

Guide

Retrospective CHC Claims: Reclaiming Care Fees from the NHS

A retrospective CHC claim asks the NHS to refund care home fees self-funded since 1 April 2012. Who can claim, how far back, and the evidence that wins.

Guide

Well-Managed Needs in CHC: What the Law Says

Only 16.65% of standard CHC assessments end in eligibility, so more than 8 in 10 are refused, often on well-managed needs grounds. Managed needs still legally count.

Guide

What is the CHC Decision Support Tool (DST)? A Family Guide

The Decision Support Tool decides every NHS Continuing Healthcare case. 12 domains, 5 scoring levels, and one legal test. Here's what families need to know.

Guide

What to Include in a CHC Appeal Letter (with Template)

The 6-part anatomy of a CHC appeal letter — DST rebuttal, evidence map, Primary Health Need, IRP escalation. 13% succeed at Stage 1. Free template included.

Guide

Who Pays for a Care Home? UK Care Funding Explained (2026)

Four payers fund UK care homes: NHS, council, resident, or family. Only 16.65% of those assessed claim free NHS funding — here's who pays what in 2026.

Guide