Requesting an adult Care Act needs assessment (Northamptonshire)

Step by step

1. Check who qualifies

   Anyone aged 18 or over who appears to have care and support needs has a right to a needs assessment under the Care Act 2014. You do not need a diagnosis, and you do not need to already receive services. The assessment is free and is about the difference your needs make to your daily life, not your finances.

2. Contact the right council

   For North Northamptonshire (for example Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough, East Northamptonshire) call Adult Social Care on 0300 126 3000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm; choose option 1, then 2, then 1) or use the online self-referral form. For West Northamptonshire (for example Northampton, Daventry, Towcester, Brackley) call 0300 126 7000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or use their online self-referral form. Both councils accept referrals for yourself or on behalf of someone else. In immediate danger call 999; out of normal hours, North Northamptonshire's emergency duty team is 01604 626938.

3. Have your information ready

   Before you call, note the person's name, date of birth, address, GP (doctor) details, next of kin, and any communication or accessibility needs. Describe what you are struggling with day to day, for example washing, dressing, eating, staying safe at home, or getting out into the community.

4. Take part in the assessment

   A social care worker will talk through how you manage everyday life. West Northamptonshire calls this its '3 conversations' approach: understanding your situation and community support, offering short-term or crisis help, and, where needed, a full Care Act assessment. You can have a family member, friend or independent advocate with you. If you would find it hard to be involved and have no one to speak for you, you are entitled to a free independent advocate.

5. Understand how eligibility is decided

   The council applies the national eligibility criteria. You are likely to be eligible if your needs come from a physical or mental impairment or illness, you cannot achieve two or more specified outcomes (such as managing nutrition, personal hygiene, using the toilet, dressing, keeping your home safe, maintaining relationships, working or volunteering, using community services, or caring for a child), and this has a significant impact on your wellbeing.

6. Get a support plan and personal budget

   If you are eligible, you and the council agree a support plan describing how your needs will be met, and the council sets a personal budget: the amount needed to meet your eligible needs. You can let the council arrange your care, take the money as a direct payment to arrange care yourself (including employing a personal assistant, with free council payroll support), or a mix of both.

7. Expect a financial assessment (charging)

   Separately from the needs assessment, the council carries out a financial assessment (means test) to work out what, if anything, you contribute. It looks at your income, savings and capital. If your capital is above the national upper limit of GBP 23,250 you are usually treated as a self-funder; below that the council assesses an affordable contribution and deducts it before you receive a direct payment. Ask for a benefits check at the same time, as you may be entitled to Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment.