Assessing your needs as a carer

A carers assessment looks at if you are eligible for support to help you care for the person you are looking after. After your assessment, we create a support plan for you. It may include practical support and signpost you to local support groups.

Find out about the support you could get as an unpaid carer

Your wellbeing is important. 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
  • any eligible benefits, as there may be financial support available to you

A carer's assessment is about getting support for you. It's important to know that:

  • 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 will offer you a carer's assessment
  • the person you care for does not have to have any help or assessment from our us
  • you can ask for a joint assessment for you and the person you care for

Let us know if your needs change after we have made your support plan.

Carer's assessment

Carers over 18 who look after another adult can have a carer's assessment. You can self-refer or ask a health professional or local carer organisation to do it for you.

To check eligibility see Eligibility criteria for carers.

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 talk to you about:

  • your education, training and leisure opportunities
  • your views about your future
  • 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 supports young carers by:

  • keeping you up-to-date with their regular newsletters
  • organising family fun days
  • supporting you at drop-in centres
  • offering help and support

To find out more see Surrey Young Carers.

A carer's assessment helps us understand how your caring role affects:

  • your health and wellbeing
  • your ability to do the things that are most important to you

You can complete the form for:

  • yourself
  • someone else with their consent

Do a carer's assessment

Carer's assessments explained


Did you find this information helpful?

Rating Did you find the information helpful?

We aren't able to reply to individual comments, so please don't include any personal details.

Subscribe to our newsletters for latest news and events.