NHS Funded Nursing Care Rate Changes for 2024/25

This blog includes the latest information on the 2024/25 rates for NHS-Funded Nursing Care (FNC). If you’d rather speak to a person about planning or paying for care, you’re welcome to call 01892 335 330 for free advice.

Important information regarding NHS-Funded Nursing Care rates for 2024/25

As of April 1st 2024 rates for NHS-Funded Nursing Care will increase by 7.4% from the 2023/24 FNC rates.

Additional funds will help cover the costs of nursing care, ensuring the vital service can continue to support the needs of thousands of older adults who rely on it.

If you’re a self-funder who’s already claiming NHS FNC, and you’re entitled to the higher rate, the 7.4% increase could save you £1,157 a year when compared with the 2023/24 payments for NHS FNC.

If you’re a self-funder who’s never made a claim and you’re eligible for NHS FNC, you could potentially save £12,265 a year towards the cost of your nursing care.

What is NHS-Funded Nursing Care?

NHS-funded nursing care is a payment from the NHS that goes towards the cost of nursing care. It’s paid to the care provider rather than the claimant and importantly, it isn’t means tested, so it doesn’t matter how much you earn, you could still be eligible to apply if you meet the other criteria.

Can a person funding their care apply for NHS-Funded Nursing Care?

You might be able to get some free help regardless of your income or if you're paying for your care.

This can include:

• small bits of equipment or home adaptations that each cost less than £1,000.
• NHS care, such as NHS continuing healthcare, NHS-Funded Nursing Care and care after illness or hospital discharge.

If you’re eligible for NHS-Funded Nursing Care and you’re a self-funder, the amount you pay for your care could be reduced as the payments for NHS FNC top up the total cost of care.

Will NHS FNC payments reduce my cost of nursing care?

Usually, though not always. In some cases NHS FNC may be paid to the care home in addition to the fees stated to you, to cover the potential costs of additional care that may be needed.

Always check with the care home that is receiving the payments to find out whether the fees quoted to you for the cost of care are before or after the deduction of the Registered Nursing Care Contribution, and they will explain whether receiving FNC reduces your bill or not.

How much are NHS FNC rates going up in England, in 2024?

From 1 April 2024, the rates for NHS-funded nursing care in England are:

• Lower rate: £235.88 per week
• Higher rate: £324.50 per week

2023/24 NHS FNC rates vs 2024/25 rates

How much is NHS-funded nursing care for the rest of the UK for 2024/25?

The other countries in the UK have yet to release their new rates for 2024/25.

The current rates for 2023/24 are:

• Scotland: £104.90 per week for nursing care and/or £233.10 for personal care.
• Wales: £201.74 per week
• Northern Ireland: £100 per week

Free advice on nursing care here

For impartial advice about planning or paying for your care, or the care of someone you love, speak to our elder-care experts on 01892 335 330, 7 days a week.

They can listen to what you need and help you find a solution.