Information & advice

Local authority social services departments are the main state provider of care and support services. Before you can receive services the authority has to establish that you need them. This is usually known as a needs or care assessment.

In most cases the local authority has a duty to assess an older person’s needs. Our factsheet explains the assessment process leading to your being provided with the help you need.

Information provided includes:

• The local authority’s duty to assess
• The assessment process
• Eligibility criteria for services
• Care plans and service provision
• Challenging the outcome of an assessment

This factsheet will be useful to anyone who is thinking of applying for local authority assistance or who wants to challenge a decision whether or not to provide care and support services.

Further information


Please download our factsheet in the top right corner of this page for detailed information.