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Acronyms and formal terminology can make an already difficult care journey harder. These short explanations give you a clearer starting point and link directly to official information.
A Disabled Facilities Grant can help pay for certain adaptations to a disabled person’s home. Applications are normally handled through the Local Authority, and eligibility and the amount available depend on current rules and individual circumstances.
NHS Continuing Healthcare is a package of care arranged and funded by the NHS for some adults who are assessed as having a primary health need. Eligibility is based on the nature, intensity, complexity and unpredictability of needs rather than on a diagnosis alone.
An Education, Health and Care Plan is a legal document for some children and young people up to age 25 who need more support than is normally available through standard special educational needs provision.
Direct Payments are payments made by a Local Authority to some people who have been assessed as needing care and support. They can give more flexibility over arranging agreed support, but also bring responsibilities for how the money is used and recorded.
Personal Independence Payment is a benefit for people who may need help with extra living costs because of a long-term physical or mental-health condition or disability. It is based on how a condition affects daily-living and mobility activities.
Attendance Allowance is a benefit for some people over State Pension age who need help or supervision because of a disability or health condition. Eligibility focuses on the help or supervision needed rather than on income or savings.