Free for unpaid carers across the UK
Your caring role matters.
A carer's assessment makes sure you're supported too.
What is a carer's assessment?
Despite the name, it's not a test — and nobody is judging how well you care. It's a structured conversation about how caring affects your life.
Under the Care Act 2014, every adult who provides unpaid care has the right to an assessment from their local council — in our case, Cornwall Council. It looks at the impact caring has on you and what support could make things easier.
Your physical and mental health, and how caring affects them
Whether you're able (and willing) to keep providing care
Your work, studies, relationships and time for yourself
What would improve your wellbeing — from breaks to practical help
Planning for emergencies, so there's a backup if you're ever unwell
Caring for a child, or under 18 yourself?
Parent carers of disabled children and young carers under 18 have their own assessment routes through Cornwall Council's children's services. We can point you in the right direction — just get in touch.
Who can have one?
Anyone aged 18+ who provides unpaid care to another adult — whether that's a few hours a week or around the clock. You don't need to live with the person you care for, and they don't need to have had their own assessment first.
How to get a carer's assessment in Cornwall
Request your assessment
Contact Cornwall Council's Adult Social Care team and ask for a carer's assessment. You can do this yourself, or ask your GP, a nurse or Cornwall Carers Service to refer you.
Cornwall Council Adult Social Care: 0300 1234 131
Have the conversation
A trained assessor will arrange a time that suits you — by phone, video call or face to face. It usually takes around an hour. You can have a friend, family member or advocate with you.
Get your outcome
The council looks at your needs against national eligibility criteria and writes up what was discussed. You'll receive a copy — check it and ask for changes if anything's missing.
Put support in place
If you're eligible, you'll get a support plan setting out what help you'll receive. Even if you're not eligible for council-funded support, you should still get information, advice and signposting to local services.
Prepare for your assessment
Keep a one-week caring diary: Jot down everything you do — including night-time care, prompting, emotional support and admin. Carers often underestimate their role.
Note how caring affects your health: Tiredness, stress, low mood, aches, missed GP appointments — it all counts and it all matters.
Think about work, study and money: Have you cut your hours, turned down opportunities, or taken on extra costs because of caring?
List what you've had to give up: hobbies, seeing friends, exercise, time with other family — the things you'd like back.
Decide what would help most: A regular break? Help with transport? Equipment at home? Someone to talk to? You don't need all the answers, but ideas help.
Consider an emergency plan: Who would step in if you were ill? The assessment is a good time to set this up.
Ask someone to join you: You're welcome to have a friend, relative or advocate with you for support.
Be honest about the hard days, not just the good ones. The assessment can only reflect what you tell them.
What support might come out of it?
Replacement care & breaks
Respite so you can rest, keep appointments, or simply have time that's yours.
Direct payments
A personal budget paid to you, spent flexibly on things that support your wellbeing.
Equipment & adaptations
Practical changes at home that make caring physically easier and safer.
Emergency planning
A written plan so care continues if you're suddenly unwell or unavailable.
Local connections
Introductions to carer groups, wellbeing activities and peer support across Cornwall.
Advice & information
Guidance on benefits like Carer's Allowance, your rights at work, and health support.
Helpful resources
Common questions
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The assessment itself is always free. Some support that follows may be means-tested, but many services for carers — including information, advice and carer groups — are free. Direct payments for carers are usually not means-tested in the same way as care for the person you look after.
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No. Your right to a carer's assessment stands on its own. The person you care for doesn't need to have had a needs assessment, and they don't need to agree to one for you to have yours.
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You can ask for a reassessment at any time. Caring roles change — if things get harder, or your circumstances shift, contact Adult Social Care and ask them to look again.
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Yes. There's no minimum number of caring hours. If someone relies on your support, you're a carer and you're entitled to an assessment.
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The council should still give you information and advice, and signpost you to local services. If you disagree with the outcome, you can ask for the decision to be explained and reviewed, or make a complaint through Cornwall Council's complaints process.
Not sure where to start? Talk to us.
Cornwall Carers Service can help you understand your options, prepare for an assessment, and connect with support near you. No question is too small.
There is a dedicated team available to answer Carers’ calls and queries as well as a text-to-chat option. To speak direct to the Advice Line team call: 01736 756655.
Call our friendly team
01736 756655.
Or email us
grants@cornwallrcc.org.uk
