National Eligibility Criteria for care and support

Solihull adult social care uses national rules, set by law, to make sure everyone is treated fairly. These rules are called the National Eligibility Criteria and apply to people requiring care and support, as well as carers.

There are two sets of criteria including for: 

• people with care and support needs, requiring a care and support assessment
• carers with support needs, requiring a carer’s assessment 

What does the National Eligibility Criteria look at?

You may be able to get help from adult social care if:

• your care and support needs are because of a physical or mental health condition
• your needs mean you cannot do at least two everyday activities
• your wellbeing or independence is affected as a result 

If you meet all three of these conditions, we will be able to provide information, advice and practical help.

For more information, the Social Institute for Excellence explains eligibility under the Care Act. 

You can also read about the eligibility criteria in easy read format.

What are 'everyday activities'?

To determine whether you are eligible for adult social care, we will look at whether you can:

• eat and drink independently
• keep yourself and your clothes clean
• use the toilet and manage your own toileting needs
• dress appropriately for the weather or occasion
• move around your home safely
• keep your home clean and safe
• build and maintain relationships with family or friends
• take part in work, training, education or volunteering
• use local services and public transport
• care for children or other people if you have caring responsibilities

If you have difficulty with at least two of these activities because of your health, and this has a significant impact on your life, you may be eligible for support. 

What does 'significant impact' mean?

This means your difficulties must have a big effect on your day-to-day life, such as your health, safety, or ability to live independently.

How to get help

To see if you are eligible for adult social care, you will need to complete a needs assessment. The assessment is a conversation to understand what help you might need - it's not a test you can pass or fail.

Our get help from adult social care page explains how to request an adult social care assessment.

If you would like to speak to someone face-to-face about the assessment process, you can visit one of our Community Advice Hubs.

What support is available for carers?

If you look after someone else, you have the right to a carer’s assessment. 

You may be able to get support for your own needs, even if the person you care for does not receive adult social care.

Our help and advice for carers page provides further information on what support is available. 

Further information

For more information, you can:

• visit our how-to videos to help you stay independent page for advice on maintaining your independence and deciding if an assessment is right for you
• sign up for our Later Life bulletin to help you plan ahead and make good decisions about later life