These national eligibility criteria for adult social care is the same across England, so support is fair no matter where you live. All outcomes are equally important; there is no priority order.
You may be eligible for adult social care support if all of the following apply:
Your needs are linked to an illness or disability
This can include:
- physical, sensory, learning, or cognitive disabilities
- mental health conditions
- substance misuse
- brain injury
These needs stop you from doing two or more everyday activities
This can include:
- eating well and maintaining nutrition
- keeping clean and managing personal hygiene
- using the toilet
- dressing appropriately
- moving around and using your home safely
- keeping your home habitable
- maintaining family or personal relationships
- accessing work, training, education, or volunteering
- using local community services (for example, public transport or leisure activities)
- carrying out caring responsibilities for a child
Being “unable to achieve” doesn’t always mean you can’t do something at all. It also includes situations where you can only do it with difficulty, distress, or risk.
You may be considered unable to achieve an outcome if:
- you cannot do it without help (including if you need reminding)
- you can do it, but it causes pain, distress, or anxiety
- you can do it, but it puts you or others at risk
- you can do it, but it takes much longer than is normal
Your wellbeing is significantly affected
This may be because:
- your needs have a serious impact on one part of your life, or
- the combined effect across different areas has a big impact on your overall wellbeing
More information
Read the full care and support statutory guidance on GOV.UK.