Who Is Eligible for NHS-Funded Nursing Care? 2026/27 Rates
If you live in a nursing home and need care from a registered nurse, the NHS may pay part of your fees. Here is who qualifies, how assessment works and the 2026/27 rates.
Updated · 5 min read
NHS-funded nursing care (FNC) is a weekly payment the NHS makes directly to a nursing home towards the cost of nursing care from registered nurses. You may be eligible if you live in a care home that provides nursing, have been assessed as needing care from a registered nurse, and do not qualify for NHS continuing healthcare. From 1 April 2026, the standard rate in England is £267.68 a week.
What NHS-funded nursing care covers
According to the NHS website, the NHS pays a flat rate to the care home towards the nursing part of your fees. Services provided by a registered nurse can include:
- planning, supervising and monitoring nursing and healthcare tasks
- direct nursing care
FNC does not cover the rest of your care home fees, such as accommodation, meals and personal care. These are paid by you, your local council or both, depending on a financial assessment.
Who is eligible for NHS-funded nursing care
You may be eligible if both of these apply:
- you live in a nursing home (a care home registered to provide nursing care)
- you are not eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, but you have been assessed as needing care from a registered nurse
Eligibility does not depend on your income or savings. It is based on your health needs.
How the assessment works
You should be considered for NHS continuing healthcare first. Continuing healthcare is a package of care fully funded by the NHS for people with significant ongoing health needs. If you qualify for it, the NHS pays for your care home fees in full and you would not need FNC.
If you do not qualify for continuing healthcare, the next question is whether you need care from a registered nurse. The NHS website says most people do not need a separate assessment for FNC. If you have not had one, your local integrated care board (ICB) can arrange it.
2026/27 rates
FNC is paid at the same rate across England:
| Rate | Weekly amount from 1 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Standard rate | £267.68 |
| Higher rate | £368.24 |
The higher rate only applies to people who moved into a care home before 1 October 2007 and were on the previous high band. You keep the higher rate unless:
- you no longer have nursing needs
- you no longer live in a care home that provides nursing
- your needs reduce so you no longer qualify for the high band, when you move to the standard rate
- you become eligible for NHS continuing healthcare instead
How the payment works
The NHS pays the care home directly, not you. Check your care home invoice: it should show how the FNC payment has been taken into account. Ask the home to explain if it is not clear.
If you are self-funding
Many people who pay for their own care home fees are still entitled to FNC if they need nursing care. Make sure you have been assessed. If you are paying a nursing home and have never been assessed, ask the care home or your ICB.
If you disagree with a decision
The NHS website says that if you are not eligible for FNC and disagree with the decision, you can ask your ICB to review it. You can also ask for a review if your needs change, for example if your health gets worse.
Keep copies of assessments and letters. A relative, friend or advocate can help you through the process.
Other help with care home costs
- Your local council may help with fees after a financial assessment.
- Attendance Allowance may be available to people over State Pension age who need help with care, depending on how their fees are paid. Check the rules on GOV.UK.
- Charities such as Age UK offer free advice on paying for care.
NHS continuing healthcare explained
Because you are assessed for continuing healthcare first, it helps to understand it. The NHS website explains that continuing healthcare is free health and social care arranged and funded solely by the NHS for adults with long-term complex health needs. It can be provided at home or in a care home.
A team of healthcare professionals looks at your care needs and how complex, intense and unpredictable they are. Eligibility depends on your needs, not on a particular diagnosis. A decision about whether you need a full assessment should usually be made within 28 days.
If you are not eligible but still have some health needs, the NHS may pay for part of your care. In a nursing home, this is usually through NHS-funded nursing care.
Preparing for an assessment
- Ask the care home or ICB when the assessment will happen, and whether a relative can be there.
- Gather recent care plans, care home notes and letters from doctors or nurses.
- Write down examples of the help needed, including at night.
- Ask for a copy of the completed assessment and the decision.
The charity Beacon gives free independent advice on NHS continuing healthcare.
FNC questions people ask
Does FNC apply in a residential care home without nursing?
No. It only applies in a care home that provides nursing care. People in residential homes get nursing care from community nurses instead, which is free.
Is FNC the same in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
No. The rates above are for England. The other UK nations have their own arrangements.
Is NHS-funded nursing care means-tested?
No. It is based on your nursing needs, not your finances.
Sources
Checked on 14 October 2026:
- NHS website: NHS-funded nursing care
- NHS website: NHS continuing healthcare
- NHS website: Find your local integrated care board
This guide explains the general rules for staff in England using 2026/27 figures. It is not financial advice. Your employer, payslip or NHS Pensions statement has the final word on your own pay.