Helping those in greatest need: who is eligible for help from adult social services

The government has introduced a system of four category bands that all councils must use when deciding who can get help from adult social services. This system makes sure that people in the greatest need get help. It also helps to share out services in a fair and consistent way.

This is important because resources are limited, not everyone will be able to receive the help they ask for.

Critical risk

We will guarantee that the needs in this band will be met.

The type of situation where:

life is threatened; and/or
there are significant health problems; and/or
help is required with vital personal care and domestic routines; and/or
individual choice is seriously restricted

For example:

A person with severe learning disabilities, normally completely dependent on someone else, is suddenly left alone
A person experiencing a mental health crisis, where an assessment under mental health legislation is needed.

Substantial risk

We will guarantee that the needs in this band will be met.

The type of situation where:

abuse or neglect is an issue; and/or
considerable help is required with personal care and domestic routines; and/or
individual choice is limited.

For example:

A person whose carer is in urgent need of a break from the responsibilities of caring, but who will need a wide range of services during the carer's absence
A person with a progressive illness whose self-care skills have been seriously affected by a worsening of the condition.

Moderate risk

We have limited resources to meet the needs in this band and we cannot guarantee that all needs will be met. However, we are committed to providing services wherever possible to support people who are at risk of losing independence in the future.

The type of situation where assistance is required with some personal care or domestic routines.

For example:

A person who can manage most tasks without assistance but can no longer bathe safely
A person who is beginning to experience difficulty with meal preparation.

Low risk

We will provide information and, where appropriate, direct people to other forms of help.

The type of situation where there is difficulty in carrying out tasks that are not vital to independence.

For example:

A person requiring assistance with welfare rights issues
A lonely person who may benefit from information about local voluntary groups.

This is a shortened version of the council's eligibility criteria which is in line with the Government's Fair Access to Care Services policy. The full criteria can also be viewed online - Fair Access to Care - Eligibility criteria (full document)