A carers assessment looks at if you are eligible for support to help you care for the person you are looking after. The assessment helps up create a support plan for you. It may suggest practical support and signpost you to local support groups, so you have people to talk to.
The benefits of having a carer's assessment
Your wellbeing is very important, so a carer's assessment will look to see if you can get:
- practical support by having someone take care of the person you're looking after while you take a short break or to recharge your batteries
- any eligible benefits, as there may be financial support available to you
What you need to know about a carer's assessment
- having a carer's assessment will not affect whether you receive a carer's allowance
- you do not need the permission of the person you are caring for
- if we are assessing the needs of the person you look after, we often give you a carer's assessment as well
- the person you care for does not have to have any help or assessment from our adult social care service. You can request a combined assessment where we assess both of you together
If your needs change after we have made your support plan, please get back in touch.
Carer's assessments explained
Types of carer's assessment
Carer's assessment
Carers over 18 who look after another adult can have a carer's assessment.
You can self-refer on the my support needs as a carer self-assessment form. A health professional or local carer organisation can also refer you.
Parent carer assessment
A parent carers needs assessment is available for parents with children under 18.
If you do not have a social worker or family support worker contact Children's Single Point of Access (C-SPA).
If you have a social worker or family support worker, check if your holistic child and family assessment included a Parent Carers Assessment.
Young Carer assessment
If you are under 18 and caring for someone you can have a Young Carers Assessment. This looks at if you should care for someone else, and whether you want to be a carer.
A social worker will look at your education, training, leisure opportunities and your views about your future. They will talk to you and ask about your wishes. They will also include your parents and anyone else you and they want to include.
If you do not have a social worker or family support worker contact: Children's Single Point of Access (C-SPA).
If you have a social worker or family support worker, check if your holistic child and family assessment included a Parent Carers Assessment.
Surrey Young Carers
Surrey Young Carers supports young carers in lots of different ways. They can give you someone to talk to and run loads of events to help you have some fun away from caring. They also give lots of opportunities for you to speak with other young carers who may have similar experiences.
How to get a carer's assessment
Fill in the my support needs as a carer self-assessment form online.
