Carers assessments

A carer's needs assessment focuses on what you need and the support you require to keep caring. It checks how caring affects your wellbeing and if you can and want to continue. The Care Act 2014 treats carers the same as the people they care for.

All carers can get an assessment, no matter their financial situation or how much support they provide. Even if the person you care for doesn't want an assessment, you can still get one.

During the assessment, you can explore different services and support options to help meet your needs.

If you care for an adult who is elderly, frail, disabled, or ill, you are entitled to an assessment to identify any support services you need. This assessment is available no matter how many hours you spend caring or the type of support you provide, and it is not means-tested.

You can get a carer's assessment even if the person you care for does not receive any help from the council, and they do not need to be assessed.

You do not need the permission of the person you are caring for to request a carer's assessment. You are entitled to ask for one on your own.

For Individuals:

• You can refer yourself, a friend, or a family member.
• The person must be over 18 and living in or moving to Kent.
• The quickest way to get help is online. Kent County Council reviews referrals within 2 working days and contacts the person needing support within 6 weeks
• Complete online self-referral form

For Under 18s:

• Contact Kent Young Carers for an assessment, or use the online referral form. 

For Professionals:

• You must refer in your professional capacity and ensure the person is aware of the referral.
• The person must be over 18 and living in Kent.
• Kent County Council review all referrals within 2 working days. If sufficient information is included, your referral will be fast-tracked.
• Complete professional referral form >

The assessment will ask how your caring duties affect your wellbeing in different areas of your life. Consider the following:

• Emotional wellbeing
• Physical health
• Ability to go out
• Time for yourself
• Impact on relationships and responsibilities
• Need for benefits information
• Concerns about work or education
• Adequacy of help for the person you care for
• Your goals outside of caring
• Any cultural, spiritual, or lifestyle needs