Request a carer's assessment

If you look after someone you have the right to ask us for a carer's assessment. This looks at the impact your caring responsibilities have on your life and what social care support you might be able to get.

We can provide:

• information and advice about benefits, future planning and emotional support
• a carer’s direct payment (for example, to help you pursue leisure, social or educational activities)

It’s free and confidential.

You are eligible for a carers assessment, regardless of your financial situation or the level of support you need if you are:

• over the age of 18
• currently looking after another adult or are planning to provide care soon

We have a legal duty to provide carers' assessments under the Care Act 2014.

This may include helping you with:

• washing, dressing or giving medicines
• getting out and about and travelling to doctors' appointments
• shopping, cleaning and laundry
• paying bills and organising finances
• emotional support

You do not have to live with the person you're looking after or be caring full-time.

We can give you a call or arrange to visit you so we can listen and fully understand what you do as a carer to support your loved one.

We can either speak with you alone or with the person you are looking after.

The assessment is your chance to have a discussion about your caring role and how it affects you.

Some of the issues you may want to discuss could include:

• the type of care you are providing and the time it takes
• what difficulties you may be having in your caring role
• what would happen in an emergency
• planning for the future
• how caring may be affecting your own finances, health, leisure or work

For more information, see our carers assessment factsheet.