If you’re supporting someone and it’s affecting your life in any way — tiredness, worry, work, money, sleep, your health, your relationships — you’re “doing enough” to ask for a Carer’s Assessment.
You don’t have to be at breaking point. You don’t have to prove you’re a “real” carer. And you don’t need permission from the person you care for to request an assessment for your needs.
In England, councils must offer a carer’s assessment if it looks like you may have needs for support (“appearance of need”). (Local Government Association)
In Wales, carers’ assessments sit under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014. (Legislation.gov.uk)
Step 1: Who do I contact to request a Carer’s Assessment?
England
Start with your local council’s Adult Social Care team. This is usually called:
- “Adult Social Care”
- “Adult Services”
- “Care and Support”
- “Carers Assessment”
Often, the council will have an online form. Some areas use a local carers support service to carry out the assessment, but the request can still route through (or is arranged by) the council. (Carers UK)
The assessment will be completed the Local Authority where the person you care for lives and/or pays council tax. If you don’t live in the same council area, it can be worth speaking to your own local authority too as they may be able ot signpost you to local support as well.
Wales
Contact your local authority Social Services team (sometimes called “Social Care” or “Wellbeing”). Carers’ assessments are part of the Welsh social care system under the 2014 Act. (Legislation.gov.uk)
Tip: If you’re not sure which council you’re under, search “find my local council” and use your postcode. Remember to check based on the postcode of the person you’re caring for.
Step 2: The exact words to say (quick request script)
Use this wording to keep it simple and clear.
Phone script (30 seconds)
“Hello. I’m an unpaid carer and I’d like to request a Carer’s Assessment.
I care for [name/relationship], and it’s affecting my [health/work/sleep/mental wellbeing].
Can you tell me the next steps for booking the assessment?”
If you need it urgently:
“I’m worried about safety / burnout / my health getting worse. I need this treated as urgent. What can you do to prioritise it?”
If they try to redirect you
If someone says “Speak to your GP” or “That’s for the NHS”:
“I’m asking the council for a Carer’s Assessment under adult social care. Please log my request and confirm how I’ll be contacted.”
Step 3: Copy-and-paste email template (request in writing)
Sending it in writing helps because you’ve got a record.
Subject: Request for Carer’s Assessment
Hello,
I am an unpaid carer and I would like to request a Carer’s Assessment.
I care for [relationship + brief situation]. I provide support with [personal care / medication / prompting / mobility / meals / supervision / appointments / emotional support / managing risk].
The impact on me is: [sleep / stress / anxiety / physical health / back pain / isolation / reduced work hours / financial strain / caring at night / no breaks].
Urgency / risk (if relevant): I am concerned about [burnout / my health / the situation becoming unsafe / risk of hospital admission / relationship breakdown] if I don’t get support soon.
Please confirm you have received this request, explain the next steps, and tell me the expected timescale for the assessment.
Thank you,
[Your name]
[Your phone number]
[Your address / postcode]
Step 4: What information should I include in the request?
You don’t need an essay. You just want enough detail that they can get you to the right team quickly. You don’t need to explain everything, that’s what the assessment is for.
Include:
- Who you care for (relationship + general situation)
- What you do (a few examples of tasks)
- How often (daily, nights, emergencies, supervision)
- The impact on you (health, work, money, sleep, stress)
- Any urgency or risk (things are worsening, unsafe moments, your health struggling)
If you can, add one sentence on the “so what”:
- “Without help I’m not sure I can keep going safely.”
- “I’m worried I’ll have to stop work / I’m already missing shifts.”
- “I’m getting ill and can’t recover.”
What evidence do I need for a Carer’s Assessment?
Usually, you don’t need formal “proof” to request one.
But it helps to have key details ready, such as:
- Your basic contact details
- Details of the person you care for (name, address, date of birth)
- NHS numbers (yours and/or theirs) if you have them
- Your GP details
- A short list of what you do and how it affects you (Carers UK)
Helpful “evidence” (optional):
- A simple weekly caring log (even 3–5 days is enough)
- Appointment letters or discharge summaries (if relevant)
- A list of medications / conditions (only if you want to share)
- Notes about risky moments (falls, confusion, aggression, self-neglect)
You’re not on trial. The goal is to understand your life, not catch you out.
What to expect during a Carer’s Assessment
A Carer’s Assessment is about your needs, not judging the person you care for or the care you provide for them. For more information see Carer’s Assessment Guide (England): Care Act 2014, Wellbeing & What to Expect
Common topics include:
- What caring looks like day-to-day
- Your physical and mental health
- Sleep (including night-time caring)
- Whether you can work / study / have a life outside caring
- Whether you get breaks
- What would help you carry on safely
It’s free, and it’s separate from the cared-for person’s needs assessment — but you can ask for them to be done together if that would help. (nhs.uk)
Where/how it happens
Depending on the area, it might be:
- Phone assessment
- Online form + follow-up call
- Video call
- Home visit (sometimes offered where needed)
You can ask for adjustments if you’re exhausted, anxious, short on time, or need it broken into smaller chunks.
How long does a carers assessment take?
There’s no single national time that applies everywhere. It varies by council demand, staffing, and urgency.
In real life, there are usually two “timelines”:
- How long until they contact you / book it (could be days or weeks)
- How long the assessment appointment takes (often around 45–90 minutes, sometimes longer if it’s complex)
A useful line to use:
“Can you tell me the expected timescale in my area, and how you prioritise urgent cases?”
If you’re in a risky situation (your health is failing, things are unsafe, you’re at breaking point), say so clearly and early. That can change the response.
What happens next after you request it?
Typically:
- Acknowledgement (email/letter/call confirming they’ve logged it)
- Triage questions (brief check of urgency and what’s going on)
- Booking (date/time and format)
- Assessment conversation (your situation + what would help)
- Outcome (this can include support, but can also include information/advice/signposting)
Important (and sometimes disappointing):
An assessment can identify needs that the local authority doesn’t have a duty to meet, or can’t meet in the way you’d prefer. Even then, the council should still provide information and advice, and the assessment can be valuable in helping you understand your options and what might help you sustain caring. (Local Government Association)
Step 5: If you’re ignored or delayed (how to chase effectively)
1) Follow up in writing
If you phoned, send a short email afterwards:
“Further to my call on [date/time], please confirm my request for a Carer’s Assessment has been logged and advise next steps and timescale.”
2) Keep a simple record
Make a note of:
- dates/times you contacted them
- who you spoke to (name/department)
- what was promised
3) Escalate calmly but firmly
If you’re getting nowhere:
- Ask for the team manager (Adult Social Care / Carers team)
- Use the council’s complaints process
- If needed, contact your local councillor (they can sometimes unblock delays)
If the situation is unsafe right now, say that directly and ask what urgent pathway they have.
More information
- Read next: What to expect during a Carer’s Assessment
- Helpful: Carer wellbeing basics
- Useful background: Who counts as a carer?
- Wider support: Support for carers (breaks, services, money)
External support:
FAQ
Do I have to live with the person I care for to get a Carer’s Assessment?
No. Caring isn’t defined by living arrangements. It’s about the support you provide and the impact on you.
Can I request an assessment even if the person I care for refuses help?
Yes — the Carer’s Assessment is about you. It’s separate from their needs assessment (though they can be linked). (nhs.uk)
What if I’m “only” providing emotional support or supervision?
That counts. Prompting, monitoring, managing risk, reassurance, and being “on alert” can be exhausting and should be part of the assessment.
What if I’m not sure I’m a carer?
If you’re regularly supporting someone because of illness, disability, mental ill health, frailty, or addiction — and it affects your life — you’re close enough to request one. Let the assessment process help clarify what support might be available.
Will I definitely get support after the assessment?
Not always. Some outcomes are support; others are information/advice/signposting. Either way, the assessment can still help you understand your situation, document what’s happening, and make a plan for coping more safely.
Legal disclaimer
This article is general information for unpaid carers and is not legal advice. Policies and processes vary by area. If you need urgent help or you’re at risk, contact appropriate services immediately. For more information click here.