Carer’s assessment: how to ask your council for your own support
A guide to requesting a carer’s assessment that looks at your health, work, relationships and ability to continue caring.
Last reviewed: 6 July 2026 · UK guidance
In brief
A carer’s assessment is about the carer, even when the person they support has no formal care package or refuses an assessment. It should consider the care provided, its effect on wellbeing and whether the carer is willing and able to continue at the same level.
Do not minimise unpaid care because it feels like ordinary family life. Include supervision, night waking, emotional support, appointments, forms, transport and being unable to leave the person alone. Ask for a written decision and a support plan where eligible needs are identified.
Request the assessment directly
Contact the relevant adult social-care team, or children’s services if you are a parent carer, and state that you want your own statutory carer’s assessment. Ask how it can be completed, whether it may be separate from the cared-for person and what advocacy or communication adjustments are available.
Describe the hidden workload
Keep a seven-day record including tasks, interruptions, monitoring and responsibility for emergencies. Explain effects on sleep, pain, mental health, employment, education, finances, parenting, relationships and the ability to have a life outside caring.
Say what you cannot continue
The assessment is not a test of devotion. Be clear about tasks or hours that are no longer safe or sustainable and about any work, treatment or family commitments being lost. A plan should not be based on an assumption that you consent to unlimited care.
Ask for outcomes, not only information
Possible support may include breaks, direct payments, training, equipment, emotional support or help for the cared-for person that reduces the load. Ask what has been agreed, the budget or charge, who arranges it and when it will start.
Challenge an assessment that ignores you
If the written record omits care or impact, correct it promptly. Request reasons for any no-support decision and use the council complaints process or advocacy where necessary.
Request your own carer’s assessment
Send to the council and keep a copy.
I provide unpaid care for [person], including [main tasks and hours]. The effect on my health, work or family life is [examples], and I am not able or willing to continue [specific part] without support. I am requesting my own carer’s assessment, separate time to speak if needed, and a written decision explaining any eligible needs and proposed support.
A practical checklist
- Record a full week of visible and hidden care.
- Name what is no longer sustainable.
- Ask for private time and accessibility adjustments.
- Keep the written assessment and support decision.
Check the current information
These are the most relevant official or specialist places to confirm live rules, availability and application details.
gov.uk
Open official informationcitizensadvice.org.uk
Open official informationgov.uk
Open official informationChoose one next action
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