First published: January 2015 | Last updated: December 2020
The aim of this guide is to build on the Care Act statutory guidance by outlining what local authorities need to consider when making an eligibility determination, using the national eligibility criteria. It summarises the process and key elements to consider when making an eligibility determination for an adult requiring care, as well as bringing useful resources together
It should be read in conjunction with The Care and Support (Eligibility Criteria) Regulations 2015, with Chapter 6 of the Care Act statutory guidance (‘Assessment and eligibility’) and with the other SCIE products on eligibility.
For brevity and simplicity, the term ‘individual’ is used throughout this guide to refer to an adult with care and support needs or a carer with support needs.
Key messages
Key messages from the guide Eligibility determination for the Care Act 2014.
Definition and outcomes
Defining eligibility and outcomes as listed in the regulations.
How is wellbeing understood?
Information on the concept of wellbeing and how it relates to a range of areas.
Eligibility outcomes
Find out about eligibility outcomes, what to consider and examples of circumstances affecting the ability to achieve each outcome.
Eligibility criteria
The three conditions that local authorities must consider when determining eligibility.
What does significant mean?
Examples of what significant impact could mean.
Determining eligibility under the Care Act 2014
Key elements to consider, including using knowledge and information gathered, applying the national eligibility criteria, principles of risk, and decision-making.
Implications for practitioners of the national threshold
The key changes in the way eligibility is determined under the Care Act.
Support services
Support for adults/carers and checklist of core duties for local authorities.