Carer's assessments

Who counts as a carer?

You may be a carer if you regularly support an adult who is disabled, ill, older, neurodivergent or otherwise needs care. You do not have to call yourself a carer, live with the person, or receive Carer's Allowance.

Caring can include personal care, supervision, keeping someone safe, managing appointments or medicines, help with money and paperwork, transport, household tasks, communication support and emotional support.

When does the council have to assess?

Under the Care Act, where it appears that an adult carer may have needs for support, the local authority must carry out a carer's assessment. The assessment should look at present needs and likely future needs, including whether the caring role is sustainable.

What should the assessment look at?

• What care you provide and how often.
• Whether you are willing and able to continue providing that care.
• Your physical and mental wellbeing.
• Sleep, exhaustion and the cumulative effect of caring.
• Work, education or training.
• Relationships, family life and time with other people.
• Whether you can have time to yourself.
• Activities, interests and ordinary life outside caring.
• What could happen if your own health changes or you cannot continue.

What support could follow?

The answer depends on the assessment and local services. Support might include information and advice, a support plan, help to maintain wellbeing, training, practical support, assistance to take breaks or a personal budget for eligible carer needs.

Sometimes a carer's need for a break is best met by providing replacement care or support directly to the person being cared for. In that situation, the service is treated as support to the cared-for person even though it also helps the carer.

Can a council charge a carer?

A council has the power to charge for some support provided directly to a carer, although the Care Act guidance says councils should think carefully about whether charging carers is appropriate. If a council does charge, affordability rules apply.

The council must not charge the carer for care and support provided directly to the person they care for. Any charge for that person's services follows the cared-for person's own charging assessment.

What if the person I care for refuses an assessment?

Your right to a carer's assessment is separate. The council can assess your own support needs even if the person you care for does not want their own assessment, although what can be put in place may depend on the circumstances and consent.

Prepare before the assessment

If the assessment misses the reality

Ask for the assessment and decision in writing. Correct factual errors, explain what has been missed, and ask for a review if necessary. If the issue cannot be resolved, use the council's adult social care complaints process.

England. Last reviewed: 21 September 2026.