What is a PHB?
A Personal Health Budget is an amount of NHS money set aside to support a person's identified health and wellbeing needs. It is planned and agreed between the individual (or their representative) and their local NHS team, usually the Integrated Care Board (ICB). It gives people more choice and control over how their care is arranged and delivered.
PHBs are most commonly linked to NHS Continuing Healthcare,
and they can be managed in three ways:
Notional
Budget
The NHS holds the money and arranges the agreed care.
Third-Party
Budget
An independent organisation holds and manages the funds.
Direct Payment
for Healthcare
the individual or their representative receives the funds and arranges care themselves.
Why PHBs can be challenging
Managing a PHB can be time-consuming and confusing. Families are often asked to understand funding rules, write care plans, recruit and manage carers or Personal Assistants, handle payroll, pension and insurance obligations, keep records, and report to the ICB. All of this falls on people who are already coping with illness or injury.
How NJ Case Management can help
Our case managers can support clients to:
- Understand what a PHB is, which option suits them, and what they are entitled to
- Develop a person-centred care and support plan that meets assessed needs and outcomes
- Liaise with the ICB, commissioners and other professionals throughout the process
- Recruit, train and supervise carers and Personal Assistants
- Set up and oversee the practical arrangements, such as contracts, payroll providers and suppliers
- Track spending, keep records and prepare reporting so the budget is used appropriately
- Review the plan regularly and adjust it as needs change
- Advocate for the client's choices, while discussing risks openly and supporting informed decisions
In short, we take on the administrative and coordination burden, so clients and families can focus on recovery and daily life, with the confidence that their PHB is being used well.
What is included in our CHC Support
Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding Assessment
We can assess whether an individual is eligible for fully funded NHS Continuing Healthcare based on the nature, intensity, complexity, and unpredictability of their health needs.
Decision Support Tool (DST) Assessment
This structured assessment is used within the NHS Continuing Healthcare process to evaluate care needs across the designated care domains and support funding decisions.
CHC Review
This is a review of an individual's ongoing eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare to ensure their funding continues to reflect their current care needs and circumstances.
Welfare Review
This is a comprehensive review of an individual's overall welfare, ensuring care arrangements remain appropriate, safe, and aligned with their evolving needs and personal outcomes.
CHC Appeal & Funding Support
We provide professional support through the appeals process for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding decisions, including evidence preparation, case documentation, and representation at review meetings.
Who We Work With
We offer our CHC Support services to:
- Personal Injury Solicitors
- Clinical Negligence Legal Teams
- Insurance Companies
- NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) Commissioners
- Court of Protection
- Individuals and families
We offer CHC support in St Albans - also serving London, the South East, nationwide & internationally.