What is FNC funding?

FNC stands for ‘Funded Nursing Care’. NHS-funded nursing care (FNC) means that the NHS will cover designated nursing fees related to the nursing or medical care you receive from a registered nurse during your stay.

Depending on your circumstances, this could be anything from planning your nursing care to carrying out specific tasks.

Is FNC funding available throughout the UK?

It is a UK wide benefit although the country of residence will determine the awarding authority:

• England and Wales, FNC is funded by the NHS through local Clinical Commissioning Groups
• Northern Ireland it’s the local Health and Social Care Trusts
• Whereas in Scotland payments are made by local authorities.

How do I access FNC funding / who actions the application process?

To receive FNC payments you should first be assessed to determine whether you are eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare.

Usually, this happens automatically as the professionals caring for you should start the assessment process in certain situations, such as if your physical or mental health deteriorates rapidly or following discharge from hospital.

If you are already living in a nursing home, your eligibility should be considered when your nursing needs are reviewed annually.

You can also request to have an assessment at any time, the home manager, care worker or GP can assist here.

Are there any funding differences for those living in Scotland?

Other than each devolved country setting its own weekly contribution payments, limits on FNC allowances and capital thresholds, the main funding differences in Scotland centre on the payment of the Personal Care Allowance which isn’t available anywhere else in the UK.

Once you are awarded the Personal Care Allowance Attendance Allowance will crease once the former has been paid for 28 days.

Advice about paying for care

It’s important to get professional advice on the best way to fund the cost of care and we suggest that you take advice from a care fees expert to make sure that you have explored all the options available to you.

In order to make life easier we have contacted a national care fees planning specialist, Symponia, who are dedicated to the financial issues of later life, in particular the payment of care fees. Read more about how Symponia can help you and download their helpful handbook.