Eligibility

Who can get support from Adult Social Care?

Lewisham Council follows the Care Act 2014 to determine who is eligible for adult social care services. To qualify, you must have difficulty carrying out everyday tasks, or provide support for an adult who has difficulty carring out everyday tasks. There are national eligibility criteria which you have to meet. 

As well as being an adult (aged over 18), who lives in Lewisham, there are three key conditions:

1. Your difficulties carrying everyday tasks are because of a physical or mental impairment, illness, or disability

This includes, but is not limited to:

• physical disabilities
• learning disabilities
• mental health conditions
• long-term illnesses or sensory impairments
• cognitive impairments (such as dementia)
• substance misuse conditions (if they impact daily living)
• older adults with frailty or mobility issues

We can assess people, but cannot provide services, before they are 18 years old. 

2. The everyday tasks you have difficulty with, include at least two of the following

• managing and maintaining nutrition (for example, preparing and eating meals)
• maintaining personal hygiene (for example, washing, dressing, oral care)
• managing the toilet or other personal care needs
• being able to stay safe at home (for example, risk of falls, self-neglect)
• accessing and maintaining housing (for example, keeping a home clean and habitable)
• building and maintaining relationships (for example, avoiding loneliness, social isolation)
• taking part in work, training, education, or volunteering
• using community services and engaging in social activities
• caring for a child or dependent (if applicable)

3) Your difficulties carrying everyday tasks cause a significant impact to your wellbeing

If not receiving support would put your independence, health, or safety at risk, you may be eligible for care services. This includes risks like:

• increased risk of falls, harm, or hospitalisation
• social isolation or loneliness
• inability to access vital services (GP, pharmacy, food, transport)
• mental or emotional distress, anxiety, or depression
• being at risk of homelessness or financial hardship

What happens next?

1. If you think that you, or whoever you’re supporting, might be eligible for support, then please contact us and ask for a needs assessment

• you have a legal right to request a needs assessment at any time
• it's free and can be done online, by phone, or in person
• you can apply for yourself or on behalf of someone else (for example, a family member or friend) assessments consider your needs, preferences, and support network.

2) We will make a decision about eligibility

Even if you’re not eligible for services from us, we will let you know about any services that we think might be helpful for you to manage at home. This includes information on community services, charities, and self-funded options.

If you don’t agree with our decision about eligibility, we have an appeals process.

If we consider you are eligible, we will work with you to agree the support you need from us. We call this a care and support plan.

3) Creating a care and support plan

This will outline the help you can get. This may include:

• home care services (help with washing, dressing, or meals)
• day services or community support groups
• equipment or adaptations for your home
• residential or nursing care options
• respite care for carers
• direct payments (money to arrange your own care)

4) Financial contributions - how much you might need to pay

• some people may need to contribute towards their care based on income and savings
• a financial assessment will determine how much, if anything, you need to pay
• if your assets are below £23,250, you may qualify for council-funded support

How to apply for Adult Social Care in Lewisham

• call us: 020 8314 7777 (Option 1) - lines are open from 9-5, Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays
• for emergency provision outside these times call 020 8314 6000 and ask for the emergency social worker
• email gateway@lewisham.gov.uk
• visit us: Lewisham Council, Laurence House, 1 Catford Rd, London SE6 4RU

Need help in another language or accessible format?

We can provide information in Braille, large print, Easy Read or BSL, and multiple languages. Contact us for assistance.