The Care Act 2014 sets out local authorities' duties when assessing people's care and support needs.

This resource, updated December 2022, supports care practitioners and answers their questions about assessment and determination of eligibility under the Care Act. It also provides practical guidance over what they should do when applying the letter and spirit of this law.

The route to support

The Care Act: assessment and determination of eligibility process

The Care Act gives clear guidance on the individual journey from the referral to the support plan, which includes screening, assessment and determination of eligibility.

This chart explains how each stage of this journey relates to different needs, outcomes and forms.