I need help to manage at home
If you appear to need care and support, your council must assess you. It doesn't matter how much money you have, and you don't need a referral from a doctor.
The interactive version is available in 6 languages and Easy Read. It includes a ready-made letter you can fill in.
Your rights
- A free needs assessment from your local council, whatever your income or savings.
- To be involved in the assessment, with someone you trust present if you want.
- A written care and support plan if you have eligible needs.
- An independent advocate if you would struggle to take part and have no one suitable to help.
- To ask for a direct payment so you can arrange your own care.
What to do next
- Contact your council's adult social care team (phone, online form or letter).
- Ask for written confirmation of your request and a likely date.
- Keep a short diary of what you struggle with day to day. It makes the assessment more accurate.
- If you're refused or the decision seems wrong, ask for the reasons in writing and use the council's complaints process.
Say this
“I'd like to request a needs assessment under section 9 of the Care Act 2014.”
The law behind it (England)
- Care Act 2014s.9 assessment, s.18 duty to meet needs, s.67 advocacy, s.31 direct payments
Elsewhere in the UK
- Scotland
- In Scotland, assessment duties are in the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968, and choices about how support is arranged are in the Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013.
- Wales
- In Wales, the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 applies, with a focus on 'what matters' conversations.
- Northern Ireland
- In Northern Ireland, care is arranged through your Health and Social Care Trust under the Health and Personal Social Services (NI) Order 1972.
Easy Read
What you need to know
- You may need help at home to wash, cook or move around.
- The council must check what help you need. This is called an assessment.
- The check is free. It does not matter how much money you have.
- You can have someone you trust with you.
What you can do
- Phone your council. Ask for a care assessment.
- Write down what is hard for you each day.
Last reviewed: November 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. How we check our information.