A social care needs assessment is when a trained professional meets with you to understand the care and support you need daily. They also check if you are eligible for support. See Who can get help from Adult Social Care for more information.

To start the process, you need to fill out an online social care needs self-assessment form. This asks about your needs based on national criteria. The goal is to see how you're managing daily life and what help you need to stay safe, healthy, and independent.

Social care needs self-assessments are free and anyone can do one.

You can also fill out a carer's self-assessment online. See Assessing your needs as a carer for more information.