Struggling with an NHS Continuing Healthcare appeal?
We help families across England prepare strong CHC appeal submissions or provide full legal representation from our CHC appeal solicitors. Our experts make the process clearer, less stressful, and more likely to succeed from paperwork to panel.
- Get help with CHC appeals in England
- Plan a strong appeal submission
- Understand the CHC process clearly
- Compare DIY and legal support options
- Boost your appeal with expert advice
- Work with trusted CHC appeal solicitors
Get expert support with your CHC appeal
If you or a loved one has been told you're not eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding, you can appeal the decision and you don’t have to do it alone.
At Winston Solicitors, we help families across the UK prepare clear, persuasive appeals and, when needed, represent you throughout the process.
Our firm has over 3,000 five-star reviews and we adopt a personal, plain-English approach, supporting you every step of the way.
James was amazing. He helped us understand the CHC process clearly and fought our corner at every stage.
— Client in Manchester, CHC Appeal 2024
Why appeals matter and how we help
Appeals must be presented with the right evidence.
Whether you need help with just the paperwork, or full legal representation, we offer:
- Plain-English guidance
- Personalised appeal strategies
- One-to-one support from a CHC expert
We’ve helped families reclaim many thousands of pounds in care costs and gain peace of mind.
— James Urquhart-Burton, Head of Continuing Healthcare Claims at Winston Solicitors
Types of CHC Appeal Support we Offer
Full Legal Representation
Need someone to handle the entire process?
We can represent you through:
- Local Dispute Resolution with your ICB
- Independent Review Panel with NHS England
We attend meetings, speak on your behalf, and build your strongest case. Many clients feel relieved and reassured having a specialist by their side.
Written Appeal Submission
Ideal if you want to submit the appeal yourself, but need expert input.
We’ll help you:
- Review your Decision Support Tool (DST)
- Draft a strong written appeal
- Identify which needs should be challenged
- Identify procedural failings
- Highlight key evidence and errors
You stay in control, we give you the tools.
How the CHC Appeal Process Works
Here’s what typically happens after an ineligibility decision:
Step-by-step CHC Appeal Process:
- Receive outcome letter from ICB and take note of the appeal deadline
- Submit written appeal argument
- Attend Local Dispute Resolution meeting
- If unsuccessful, request Independent Review Panel
- Submit written appeal argument
- Final decision made by NHS England
We can support you at any stage even if you’ve already started.
What we need from you
To advise or represent you, we’ll usually ask for:
- The Decision Support Tool (DST) and outcome letter
- Any meeting notes, correspondence, or appeal paperwork
- Needs Portrayal Documents or care records
- Any clinical evidence you already have
- Details of why you’re unhappy with the outcome
How much does it cost?
You only pay for the time we spend on your case, no hidden fees.
We’ll give you:
- A clear fee estimate before starting
- Flexible options (DIY or full representation)
- Honest advice on your real chances of success
Real stories from CHC appeals we've supported
We’d been rejected twice. James rebuilt the case and handled the whole appeal. We won and the care fees were refunded.
— Client in York, CHC Appeal 2023
The nurse’s DST scores were miles off. Winston Solicitors gave me the confidence to challenge them with facts and clarity.
— Leeds-based daughter helping her mum, 2024
Ready to start your CHC appeal?
We know this process can feel overwhelming - but you're not alone.
With a team that puts your peace of mind first, we’ll help you take the next step with confidence.
Start your NHS CHC appeal today with expert help and honest advice.
Every appeal is different, but our role is always the same: to help you feel heard, supported, and prepared.
— James Urquhart-Burton, Solicitor and Head of Continuing Healthcare Claims, Winston Solicitors
Common Mistakes in CHC Appeals (and How to Avoid Them)
Even strong appeals can fail if key steps are missed. Here are some of the most common issues we see, and how here at Winston Solicitors we help you avoid them.
Not challenging the DST scores
It’s vital to check whether the Decision Support Tool (DST) scores reflect your loved one’s real health needs. Many appeals fail because these scores are accepted without question.
We help you analyse the DST line-by-line and highlight key inconsistencies.
Using emotional language without evidence
Frustration is understandable, but appeals must be based on the National Framework and clear, factual reasoning, not just personal opinion.
We build your case using evidence, appropriate language, and the right appeal structure.
Missing deadlines or documents
The NHS CHC process has strict timeframes. Missing a response date or leaving out paperwork can slow down or even block your appeal.
We keep you on track by adopting a timeline which tailored to your case.
Assuming it’s social care
CHC is about health needs, not whether your loved one lives in a nursing or care home. Many people are told to apply for council support when they may in fact qualify for NHS funding.
We know what has a chance of qualifying as a ‘primary health need’ - and how to prove it.
Avoid the pitfalls. Build a better appeal.
We’ve helped families avoid costly mistakes and improve their chances of success. Let us help you do the same.
Start by reviewing the outcome letter and DST from your local ICB. You can send a written appeal to challenge the decision and we can help prepare that for you or represent you directly.
Yes, but many families feel unsure how to argue their case. Winston Solicitors offer support either way from one-off written submissions to full representation at appeal panels.
Data from NHS England shows that only around 13% to 25% of appeals are overturned at Local Dispute Resolution. This data will include appeals brought by a variety of people. It’s really important to get realistic advice about your prospects, and to ensure the appeals process is fully exhausted to Independent Review Panel, where there is merit in doing so. Success will also depend on how well your case is presented.
We'll assess your situation and provide you with a clear fee estimate for the work involved, tailored to your circumstances. You only pay for the time we spend.
You’ll usually need the Decision Support Tool (DST), outcome letter, and any meeting notes or reports. You may also wish to obtain clinical or witness evidence. Here at Winston Solicitors, we will guide you on what’s needed at every stage.
The earlier the better. Getting advice right after the ineligibility decision can improve your chances and reduce delays. But we can help at any stage.
Local Dispute Resolution happens with your local NHS team. If that doesn’t resolve things, you can ask NHS England to set up an Independent Review Panel.
We don’t use generic templates, each case is unique. Instead, we help you build a personalised, persuasive argument based on your specific care needs and evidence.
This is the first step in appealing a CHC funding refusal. It’s a chance to meet with the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) and challenge their decision before going to an Independent Review Panel.
