Eligibility

Because we have to provide services within set budgets, we have to make sure we use resources as effectively as possible and in a fair and consistent way. The government has issued national guidelines to help us to do this.

All councils apply the same criteria for deciding on eligible social care needs for adults. These eligibility criteria are the Fair Access to Care Services guidance. We use them to decide who we can provide services to.

There are 4 bands:

1. Critical needs
2. Substantial needs
3. Moderate needs
4. Low needs

Each band has a list of risks against which needs are assessed. We can provide care and support if your needs are assessed as either Critical or Substantial.

Find out more about Fair Access to Care Services (PDF, opens in a new window)

We use the Self-directed assessment questionnaire to work out if you are eligible for support.

We have to take account the help and social support you're already receiving from your family and the local community.

If a friend or family member provides care for you, they have a right to an assessment as well.  The carer’s assessment will look at how we can help them to care for you.

We can carry out the carer’s assessment during your assessment or separately, depending on what you or your carer prefer.

If we assess any of your needs as ‘critical’ or ‘substantial’, you will be eligible for help from us. Currently we cannot offer services to you if we assess your needs as ‘moderate’ or ‘low’.

The criteria focuses on maintaining your independence including:

• Ensuring your health and safety 
• Promoting independence 
• Enabling involvement in family and community life
• Ensuring you have the ability to manage your daily routines

Eligibility criteria are normally reviewed annually, the threshold may move up or down according to our financial position.

If it is not possible to offer you services, the care manager will put you in touch with any local organisations that may be able to help you.

Financial eligibility

So we can provide services to as many people as possible we need to charge those people who are able to pay. Even if you pay for all your own care, we can still give you information, advice and support.

Savings

We take into account savings but not the value of your main home. We do not take into account any savings and investments below £14,250.

If you have between £14,250 and £23,250 we take into account £1 a week as income received for every £250 you have. This means that if your savings total £15,250 an amount of £4 per week will be counted as income received by you. This will be shown in the Financial Assessment that is used to determine the amount you contribute towards your care costs, for example £1000 ÷ £250 = £4.

If you have savings over £23,250 you will have to pay the full cost of the services you receive.