Personal Health Budgets

​A Personal Health Budget (PHB) is a sum of money allocated to individuals eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC), giving them greater choice and control over how their care is delivered. Agreed upon with the Integrated Care Board (ICB) through a personalised care plan, a PHB allows individuals to decide who provides their care, whether they receive support at home, and even if a relative acts as their caregiver. This flexible approach ensures that care meets assessed needs while promoting independence and personal preference.

Managing a Personal Health Budget

A Personal Health Budget (PHB) can be managed in three ways, or through a combination of these options, depending on individual preferences and circumstances:

    1.    Notional Budget – The Integrated Care Board (ICB) holds the funds but actively involves the individual in deciding who delivers their care and support. Some ICBs provide a brokerage service to assist with this process.

    2.    Third-Party Arrangement – A separate organisation, such as a trust, manages the budget and arranges care in line with the individual’s agreed care plan.

    3.    Direct Payment – Funds are transferred to the individual, their nominee, or a representative, who is then responsible for arranging and managing care services. Those receiving direct payments must comply with specific responsibilities set out by the ICB. If they choose to employ a personal assistant (PA) for their care and wellbeing, they take on the legal responsibilities of an employer.

Employing a Family Member as a Carer

When a direct payment is used to hire a personal assistant, the individual can choose to employ a family member to provide care at home, as long as this is included in the agreed care plan. However, many within the health and social care system are unaware of this option, often leading individuals to believe that full-time NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding is only available in care homes. In reality, CHC funding applies equally to home-based care, giving individuals more freedom to receive support in their preferred setting.

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