Does my relative qualify if they have MS?

Eligibility depends on the level of need, not the diagnosis. Many people with progressive MS qualify because of complex, unpredictable, and intense care requirements — particularly with mobility, continence, breathing, and skin integrity. An assessment is the only way to find out.

How does CHC interact with personal budgets and direct payments?

If CHC is awarded, the local authority's adult social care funding stops — the NHS becomes responsible for all care costs. CHC can be delivered as a Personal Health Budget that the family controls, similar to a direct payment.

What about people with learning disabilities?

Adults with severe learning disabilities and complex health needs are routinely eligible for CHC. The transition from children's Continuing Care to adult CHC at age 18 is sometimes badly handled — request the transition planning meeting at least a year in advance.

Who carries out a CHC assessment for a younger adult?

The same multidisciplinary team approach applies — usually a CHC nurse from the Integrated Care Board, a social worker, and clinicians involved in the person's care. The Decision Support Tool is identical to that used for older adults.

NHS Continuing Healthcare for younger adults — under 65s and working age adults

NHS Continuing Healthcare is not means-tested and has no age limit. People under 65 with serious or complex health conditions — including MS, motor neurone disease, acquired brain injuries, and severe learning disabilities — may qualify for fully funded NHS care. The assessment process is the same as for older adults.

Last reviewed: 1 March 2025·Reviewed by: CareGuide UK Editorial Team, reviewed by an SRA-regulated CHC solicitor

Who qualifies for CHC under 65?

Eligibility is determined by need, not age. Any adult whose ongoing care needs are primarily health-related can qualify. Working-age adults with progressive neurological conditions, acquired brain injury, severe learning disability with complex health needs, or significant physical disability are all candidates.

Conditions commonly associated with CHC eligibility in younger adults

Multiple sclerosis (particularly progressive forms)
Motor neurone disease
Huntington's disease
Acquired brain injury (post-stroke, post-trauma)
Severe learning disability with complex health needs
Spinal cord injury
Severe mental illness with complex physical health needs
Younger-onset dementia

MS and CHC — what families need to know

People with progressive MS often qualify for CHC because of the unpredictability and intensity of their needs — combinations of mobility, continence, skin, breathing, and cognitive symptoms. Yet many are refused at first attempt because assessors focus on diagnosis rather than the full picture of daily need. A specialist solicitor or the MS Society can advocate effectively at appeal.

Motor neurone disease and CHC

MND deteriorates rapidly. Fast-track CHC should be considered as soon as breathing, swallowing, or mobility decline becomes significant. Care should be in place within 48 hours of a fast-track form being completed.

Acquired brain injury and CHC

Long-term care needs after brain injury — particularly behavioural, cognitive, and physical needs combined — frequently meet the CHC threshold. Specialist neuro-rehabilitation services often initiate the CHC process directly from inpatient settings.

Learning disabilities and CHC — the overlap with Continuing Care for children

Children with severe learning disabilities and complex health needs often receive Continuing Care funded by the NHS. At 18, this transitions to adult CHC — but the criteria are subtly different and many young people lose funding at the transition. Insist on full transition planning at least 12 months before the 18th birthday.

How the assessment process works for younger adults

The CHC Checklist and Decision Support Tool process is identical to that for older adults. The 12 care domains are scored, the multidisciplinary team makes a recommendation, and the Integrated Care Board makes the final decision. The same appeal rights apply. Read the full CHC assessment guide →

Challenges younger adults face in CHC assessments

Younger adults are sometimes assessed by teams more familiar with older people's needs. Cognitive needs in younger adults — particularly in learning disability or post-brain-injury cases — can be undervalued. The unpredictability of progressive neurological conditions is sometimes misread as "stable" need. Where this happens, appeal: read our CHC appeals guide.

Frequently asked questions

No. CHC has no upper or lower age limit for adults. The same eligibility rules apply whether the person is 25 or 95 — what matters is whether they have a 'primary health need' across the 12 care domains.