A care needs assessment is a free check of what help a person needs. Anyone can ask for one. Nobody can be refused because of their income, savings or level of need.
If someone is in danger, call 999. For a new health problem or a sudden change, call your GP or NHS 111. In urgent cases, such as safeguarding (protecting someone from harm), the council can arrange services straight away without waiting for the assessment.
This article is about England. Rules can differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
How do I ask my council for a care needs assessment?
Contact the adult social services department of the person’s local council. You can ask by phone or online. You can also use the GOV.UK needs assessment page.
A friend or carer can ask for the person, with the person’s permission. If the person lacks mental capacity (cannot make this decision for themselves), someone can ask if they think it is in the person’s best interests (the right thing for the person).
- Say you are asking for a care needs assessment.
- Write down the date, the name of the person you spoke to, and what they said.
- Ask the council to confirm your request by email or letter.
- Ask how soon the assessment will happen.
The council decides how soon to assess, based on the person’s needs and circumstances. Check your council’s website for any target timescales. If you are waiting too long, you can complain.
Will savings or income stop us getting an assessment?
No. Savings and income do not decide whether someone gets an assessment. They can affect what the person pays for care later.
If the assessment finds the person needs help, a financial assessment follows. This is also called a means test. It checks whether the council will pay towards the cost. Our rights and benefits guide explains this.
What should I gather before the assessment?
Write down every task the person finds hard, including small ones. Leaving things out may mean less care is recommended.
Be specific. For example, say exactly what help is needed with getting up and dressed.
- Keep a notebook for a week before the visit. Note each task that is hard or unsafe.
- Write down good days and bad days.
- List the person’s GP and any nurse who knows them.
- Write down your questions.
The council must give you accessible information about the assessment process. Ask for it if you have not received it.
What happens during the assessment visit?
A social worker or an occupational therapist (a professional who helps people manage daily life) may ask how the person copes with everyday tasks.
If you are offered a phone or online assessment that does not suit you, you can ask for a face-to-face one.
- Bring a friend or relative. This helps if the person is not confident explaining their situation. They can take notes.
- Use your notebook so nothing is missed.
- The assessor may speak to the person’s GP or nurse, if the person is happy for them to.
If the person cannot speak up or has difficulty understanding others, the council must provide someone to support them, but only if no friend or carer is there to help.
If the person is living with dementia
- Ask for the visit at the time of day the person is usually at their best.
- Ask for a face-to-face assessment, so the assessor sees how the person really manages.
- Have a trusted person there to help explain, with the person’s agreement.
- Describe the hard days as well as the good ones. The person may seem more capable on the day of the visit.
What happens after the assessment?
The council decides whether the person needs help, and you get the results. Ask for the results in writing so you have a record.
Councils use national criteria to decide who is eligible for care and support. Meeting the criteria is called having "eligible needs".
- If the council will meet the needs: a care plan is agreed with the person. The person gets a copy.
- If the person does not qualify: the council should still give free advice on community help.
An assessment does not guarantee funded care. The council’s duty to meet eligible needs depends partly on the financial assessment.
What if the council says no, or I disagree?
If you think the person does meet the criteria, first try to sort it out informally with the council. Ask them to explain how they reached their decision.
If that does not work, make a formal complaint to the council. If you are unhappy with how the council handles your complaint, you can go to the local government and social care ombudsman.
What to do next
- Contact the adult social services department of the council. Ask for a care needs assessment.
- Ask them to confirm your request in writing and to tell you how soon it will happen.
- Start a notebook of every task the person finds hard.
- Choose a friend or relative to come to the visit.
- If you are a family carer, you are entitled to your own carer’s assessment (a check of the support you need as a carer). Our rights and benefits guide covers carers.
- Use our free care cost calculator to get an idea of care costs.