A carer's assessment is a free conversation with your council about how caring affects you: your health, work, sleep, free time and relationships. Anyone over 18 who looks after someone can ask for one, even if the person you care for has not been assessed. It can lead to breaks (respite), practical help, training, benefits advice or support groups.
Key facts
- Free for anyone over 18 who cares for someone.
- Separate from the cared-for person's assessment, but you can ask for both together.
- Usually takes at least an hour, face to face, by phone or online.
- Can lead to breaks, practical help and benefits advice.
- Carer's Allowance is £86.45 a week in 2026/27 if you meet the rules.
What a carer's assessment looks at
- What you do as a carer, and how many hours a week.
- Your physical and mental health, and your sleep.
- Work, study and money.
- Time for yourself, other family members and friends.
- Whether you are willing and able to keep caring, and what would help.
- What happens in an emergency if you cannot be there.
How to ask for one
Contact adult social care at the council where the person you care for lives. You can usually ask online or by phone. In Cheshire West and Chester, use the council's online form or call the Community Access Team on 0300 123 7034. You can ask for a carer's assessment at the same time as a needs assessment for the person you care for.
How to prepare
- Keep a diary for a week. Write down everything you do, including nights, phone calls and worry time.
- Think about a bad week, not just a normal one.
- Be honest about your own health, including stress, sleep and anything you have put off.
- Know what you want: regular breaks, help with one task, training, or time to work.
- Write down an emergency plan: who would step in if you were ill tomorrow?
Support it can lead to
| Type of help | Examples |
|---|---|
| Breaks (respite) | Someone to cover caring at home, a day service, or a short stay, so you can rest or go away |
| Practical help | Help with housework, gardening or taxi fares |
| Your own wellbeing | Exercise classes, counselling, support groups |
| Skills | Moving and handling training, information about the condition |
| Money | Benefits advice, including Carer's Allowance |
If you qualify for council support, you and the council agree a support plan. Some councils give carers a personal budget or a direct payment. See direct payments for care.
Benefits for carers
- Carer's Allowance: £86.45 a week in 2026/27 if you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week, they get a qualifying benefit such as Attendance Allowance, and you earn under the earnings limit (£204 a week after allowable expenses).
- Carer's Credit: protects your State Pension record if you care for at least 20 hours a week and do not get Carer's Allowance.
- Carer addition to Pension Credit: £48.15 a week if you are over State Pension age and entitled to Carer's Allowance.
Getting a break with short-term live-in care
A break does not have to mean moving your relative. With short-term live-in care, a trained carer moves in for a period, from a few days to several weeks, and follows the usual routine while you rest, go on holiday or recover from your own illness. It is also a good way to try live-in care. Read about respite care at home with Pinnacle in Chester and Cheshire West.
Frequently asked questions
Who can have a carer's assessment?
Anyone over 18 who provides care for someone who is ill, older or disabled, whether or not you live with them and whether or not you are paid Carer's Allowance. Young carers and parents of disabled children have their own assessments.
Does the person I care for have to agree?
No. A carer's assessment is about you. It helps if you can both be assessed at the same time, but you can ask for yours on its own.
Will I have to pay for support?
The assessment is free. Some support is free, such as advice and support groups. For other services the council may do a financial assessment.
Can a carer's assessment get me a break?
It can. Breaks (respite) are one of the most common outcomes. They might mean someone looking after the person you care for at home, a day service, or a short stay elsewhere. Short-term live-in care can also give you a break while your relative stays at home.
What if I'm told I don't qualify?
The council should still give you information about local support. You can ask for the decision in writing, and complain to the council and then the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman if you disagree.
Sources
- NHS: Carer's assessments
- Citizens Advice: Carers, help and support
- Independent Age: What the new financial year means for you (2026/27 rates)
- Cheshire West and Chester Council: Request support from adult social care
This guide is general information about care in England. It is not financial, legal or medical advice. Figures were checked on 25 October 2026 and can change.