Skip to main content

Direct Payments for People Receiving Fully Funded Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Providing greater choice, freedom and control over your prescribed care

A change in legislation on 1 April 2026 now allows people who are eligible for Continuing NHS Healthcare (CHC) to receive their care through Direct Payments (DPs).  This means eligible individuals can receive funding directly to arrange and manage their own care, rather than receiving services commissioned by the NHS.

What Are Direct Payments?

Direct Payments are a type of personal budget.  Funding is provided directly to eligible individuals so they can choose and pay for their own care and support services, instead of the health board arranging services on their behalf. 

Who Will Be Eligible?

  • Only people who have been assessed as eligible for Continuing NHS Healthcare can be considered for Direct Payments.
  • Initially, this applies to adults aged 18+ who are being cared for in the community, including people supported by Mental Health and Learning Disability services.
  • Individuals living in care homes are not included at this stage.

What Care Can Be Funded?

The type of care funded will be based on the individual’s assessed health needs and outlined in their care plan. 

  • All proposals will undergo a full risk assessment.
  • Funding will only be approved for personal assistants who meet professional registration requirements and right-to-work checks.
  • Strong financial and performance monitoring will be in place.
  • Regular reviews will ensure care remains safe, effective, and responsive to changing needs.

Next Steps

The CHC Team is working quickly to develop an interim process.  As this is a brand-new way of delivering CHC, new structures and safeguards are being put in place to ensure the system is safe, sustainable, and that personal assistants are properly trained and checked. 

If you are a current CHC recipient and think Direct Payments may be suitable for you, please contact:

  • Your care coordinator within your multidisciplinary team (MDT), and/or
  • Your local CHC team.

Local contact details can be found on the BCUHB CHC public webpage:

Continuing NHS Healthcare - Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board