First steps in getting help with your care needs in England and Wales

If you’re finding it difficult to manage everyday tasks, you may be entitled to help from your local council’s adult social services department. The first step is an assessment of your needs.

This factsheet explains how to ask for a care needs assessment, how the assessment works, and what care and support services you may qualify for. It also explains how you can arrange your own care and manage the payment yourself.

This factsheet covers England and Wales only. For information about Scotland, see our factsheet First steps in getting help with your care needs in Scotland.

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