Eligibility decision

7.1   The council will make the eligibility determination in accordance with the Care and Support (Eligibility Criteria) Regulations 2015 (the Eligibility Regulations). Needs will be determined to be eligible when: 

• the carer’s needs arise as a result of providing necessary care to the adult. Necessary care means that the adult is not capable of meeting their needs for themselves

and

• as a result of the carer’s needs, the carer’s physical or mental health is / is at risk of deteriorating or the carer is unable to achieve any of the outcomes specified in the Eligibility Regulations. Being unable to achieve an outcome means that the carer:

• • is unable to achieve the outcome without assistance, or
  • is able to achieve the outcome without assistance but doing so causes or is likely to cause significant pain, distress or anxiety, or 
  • is able to achieve the outcome without assistance but doing so is likely to endanger the health or safety of the carer or any adults or children for whom the carer provides care                                                 

and

• as a consequence, there is or is likely to be a significant impact on the carer’s wellbeing

7.2.   The council will advise the carer and / or their representative in writing of the eligibility decision. We will also provide advice about what help and support may be available to meet, prevent, reduce or delay needs which do not meet eligibility criteria. 

7.3   Carers who disagree with their eligibility decision should:

• first try to resolve the matter through discussion with the council
• then if the matter remains unresolved use the Complaints about adult social care procedure

7.4   Carers should contact the council to request a re-assessment if their needs and/or circumstances change.