Eligibility for support from us

To receive support from us, your needs will be assessed against the Care and Support Eligibility Criteria (PDF 36KB).

You'll need to show that:

  • your needs arise from providing necessary care for an adult
  • there is, or is likely to be, a significant impact on your wellbeing and
  • your physical or mental health is at risk

or

you're not able to achieve one or more of the following:

  • carry out caring responsibilities if you have a child
  • provide care to any other persons you provide care for
  • maintain a home environment
  • manage and maintain nutrition
  • develop and maintain family or other personal relationships
  • engage in work, training, education or volunteering
  • make use of necessary facilities or services in the local community
  • engage in recreational activities

If you're eligible for support

If you're assessed as eligible for support, we'll work with you to work out your personal budget.

You'll receive your personal budget as a direct payment. You will not have to pay anything towards the cost of your support.

You can spend your personal budget on things that meet your needs as identified in your assessment. For example:

  • a holiday or short break
  • gym membership
  • buying equipment. For example a computer

You cannot use your personal budget to pay for the care and support of the person you care for.

If you're not eligible for support

If you're assessed as not eligible we can still help you find ways of meeting or reducing your needs. We can also put you in touch with other organisations who may be able to help you. Visit the Signpost for Carers website for more information.

If your needs change, or you need more support, contact us for a re-assessment or review.