Disability Information UKPlain-language information, rights and support

Carer's assessment

In England and Wales, carers have a legal right to ask their council for an assessment of their own needs, separate from the assessment of the person they care for.

Last reviewed
1 June 2026
Next review due
1 December 2026

How this differs across the UK

  • England: right to a carer's assessment under the Care Act 2014.
  • Wales: right to a carer's needs assessment under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014.
  • Scotland: right to an Adult Carer Support Plan or Young Carer Statement under the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016.
  • Northern Ireland: carers can ask their Health and Social Care Trust for a carer's assessment under carers' legislation and guidance.

A carer's assessment looks at how caring affects your life, including your physical and mental health, work, relationships and any support you need to keep caring or to have a break from it.

The assessment is about you, not about judging whether the person you care for should have care. It is free, regardless of your income.

What happens in an assessment

  • You can ask for an assessment by phone, in writing or online; the council must not refuse if you appear to need one.
  • You can ask for it to happen separately from the cared-for person's assessment if you prefer to speak privately.
  • The assessor should ask about your health, whether you want to work, study or have hobbies, and what would help.
  • You should get a written outcome, including whether you are eligible for support and what that support might be.

What support might follow

If you are found eligible, the council may arrange or fund a break from caring, equipment, training, or a direct payment so you can arrange your own support.

  • Support can include respite care, a paid break, or help with transport, laundry or gardening.
  • Support does not depend on the cared-for person also receiving council-funded care.

Checklist

  • Contact your council's adult social care team (or Trust in Northern Ireland) and ask for a carer's assessment.
  • Ask whether it can be done separately from the cared-for person's assessment.
  • Prepare notes on how caring affects your sleep, work, health and finances before the assessment.
  • Ask what happens if your circumstances change suddenly, such as a hospital admission.
  • Get the outcome and any support plan in writing.
  • Ask about the right to challenge or appeal the decision if you disagree with it.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming you have to wait for the cared-for person's assessment before asking for your own.
  • Not mentioning your paid work, study or other commitments, which are relevant to what support you need.
  • Accepting a verbal outcome without a written record.
  • Not asking again if your situation changes significantly, since assessments can be repeated.

Organisations that can help