How to Get a Carer's Assessment: Your Complete Guide
If you provide unpaid care for a friend or family member, you have a legal right to a carer's assessment from your local council. This assessment looks at how caring affects your life and what support might help you. This guide explains how to request an assessment, what to expect, and what support you might receive as a result.
Important
What Is a Carer's Assessment?
A carer's assessment is a conversation with your local council about your caring role and how it affects your life. It looks at your physical and mental health, whether you want or are able to continue caring, what else you have going on (work, family, education), and what support might help you.
How to Request an Assessment
- Contact your local council's adult social services department
- Ask your GP to refer you
- Request one through the person you care for's needs assessment
- Contact a local carers' centre who can help you apply
What Happens During the Assessment?
A social worker or support worker will meet with you, either at home or at a council office. They will ask about your caring role, your own health and wellbeing, work and other commitments, what you find difficult, and what support you would find helpful. You can have someone with you for support.
Support You Might Receive
- Respite care to give you a break
- A carer's personal budget or direct payment
- Practical help like equipment or home adaptations
- Information about local support groups and services
- Help with accessing benefits you may be entitled to
- Referral to carer wellbeing services
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is entitled to a carer's assessment?
Anyone who provides unpaid care for a friend or family member can request a carer's assessment from their local council. There is no minimum number of hours of care required to qualify.
How do I get a carer's assessment?
Contact your local council's adult social services directly, ask your GP to refer you, or contact a local carers' centre for help. You can also request one during the person you care for's needs assessment.
What support can I get from a carer's assessment?
Possible support includes respite care, a carer's personal budget, practical help and equipment, information about local services, help accessing benefits, and referral to carer wellbeing services.
How long does a carer's assessment take?
The assessment meeting usually takes 1-2 hours. You should receive the assessment outcome in writing within a few weeks. If you have urgent needs, councils can provide interim support.
Need More Help?
Support Organisations
- Age UK:0800 678 1602
- Carers UK:0808 808 7777
- Alzheimer's Society:0333 150 3456
- Parkinson's UK:0808 800 0303