Request Care Act needs assessment

Letter to a local authority requesting a needs assessment under section 9 Care Act 2014, for yourself or a relative who appears to have eligible needs.

Draft template. This letter is being reviewed by a regulated solicitor before publication. You can use it now as a starting point, but read the surrounding guide carefully and consider getting free legal advice before sending.

Section 9 Care Act 2014 imposes a low threshold — needs assessment is required when the person "appears to" have needs. Statutory guidance: assessment within a reasonable time (typically 4-6 weeks; emergencies sooner). The assessment is free and not means-tested. Independent advocacy (section 67) is available if the person cannot represent themselves and has no family to do so.

AI cross-check (2026-06-15) — pending regulated solicitor sign-off

This letter cites the following authority, which the AI has checked against current GOV.UK / legislation.gov.uk:

  • Section 9 Care Act 2014 (duty to carry out needs assessment): confirmed currently in force; no material amendment. The "appears to have needs" low-threshold test is correctly stated.
  • Section 10 Care Act 2014 (carer's assessment): confirmed currently in force.
  • Section 19(3) Care Act 2014 (interim arrangements in emergency): confirmed currently in force; correctly cited for emergency situations.
  • Section 67 Care Act 2014 (independent advocacy): confirmed currently in force.
  • Care and Support (Eligibility Criteria) Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/313): confirmed currently in force; governs the national minimum eligibility threshold for adult care and support. Correctly referenced for post-assessment decision letters.
  • 4-6 week assessment timeline: this is statutory guidance (Care and Support Statutory Guidance, Chapter 6), not a hard statutory deadline; correctly described as "reasonable time".

Reviewer focus areas: (1) Verify the current version of the Care and Support Statutory Guidance — DHSC updates it periodically and the 4-6 week figure may have been revised. (2) Check whether any provisions of the Care Act 2014 have been amended since 2015, particularly regarding the charging cap under the Health and Care Act 2022 (which was deferred). (3) Confirm whether the eligibility regulations have been amended to reflect any deferred charging reforms.

This AI cross-check is an aid only; final sign-off requires a regulated solicitor.

Your details

Conditions, daily living difficulties, mobility, mental health, sensory, cognitive.

Family, paid carers, any council/NHS services currently in place.

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Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. You should seek qualified legal help if your situation requires it.