Eligibility for Services
Click Picture to download the Eligibility Leaflet
Who Can Get Help from Adult Social Care Services? (Eligibility Criteria)
Councils cannot afford to meet everyone’s’ needs and Powys is no different. Welsh Government requires us to be clear about who we can afford to provide for - and who not.
We can help those who have difficulties and needs that affect their everyday life such as people:
- with personal care needs
- with a memory problem
- with a chronic health problem
- needing temporary support to recover and become independent after illness
- with a mental health problem
- with a learning disability
- with a physical, seeing or hearing problem
- with a terminal illness
- who misuse drugs or alcohol
In order to be consistent for everyone in Wales, Welsh Government gives us an 'eligibility criteria' - what day to day concerns we can and cannot meet (Fair Access to Services) which all Councils must follow.
When we have got to know about you and your circumstances (Assessment) we will talk with you about your needs but also consider at what risk you might be, if you do not get services and if there is no one else to help. (We will ignore any help you already receive from anyone else).
We will consider:
- if you able to make decisions and choices
- whether you are safe from harm from yourself or others
- whether you can manage essential routines; if you can care for yourself (your hygiene, cooking, eating, getting around etc.) and your household management
- whether you need help to have a social, family and community life.
We then have to judge at what risk you will be with no help at all and decide whether you have a “critical” “substantial” “moderate” “low” level of risk.
This explanation may seem very “official” or “bureaucratic” and it is but they are the rules we have to follow.
To put it another way, we are concerned if:
- You can't manage to do essential everyday things to keep yourself independent
- You are struggling to manage, but you or a carer are at serious risk of injury or at serious risk of your home arrangements breaking down
- You have been or might be abused or neglected
- Your life is in some way, at risk.
In an emergency we will always take urgent action to meet your immediate needs when it is appropriate for Social Care Services to do so or we will assist you to get the immediate help you need from other services (Customer Services and Out of Hours Service).
We will look at each of your needs separately, so even if one of them qualifies for help, it doesn't necessarily mean that you will get help with others – only those that are “eligible”.
Currently, Powys County Council provides services for people with “critical”, “substantial” and “moderate” levels of risk. Most Councils in Wales will only provide for those with “critical” and “substantial” needs.
This may change in Powys in the future and the web site will be updated at the time.
Your assessment and eligibility should be explained, discussed and agreed between you and the person getting to know about you and your circumstances. If you are “eligible”, services will be arranged.
If you have not “qualified” for help but your needs change then you should ask for another “Assessment”.
If your level of risk is not putting your independence at “critical”, “substantial” or “moderate” risk, we will not be able to provide any longer term practical help or support. However, we will give you advice or information about other ways of meeting your needs. This may include services provided in your community by other Council departments, or by private sector or voluntary sector organisations.
What If We Cannot Help You - You Are Not 'Eligible' for a Service?
If you have a need but we cannot help you, we will try to give you information about services that you may wish to use. There are many local services that may be able to help (depending on where you live (Community Support Services PAVO / Powys InfoEngine).
You may need to decide whether or not you want to pay the full cost of a private business service (examples for cleaning, shopping, house maintenance, equipment, some personal care).
Voluntary services, if they are available in your area to meet your need, will mostly have a cost but may be subsidised by grants.
While we work closely with the Powys Health Services, other Powys County Council Services, Central Government Services and Benefits Service and voluntary and private services, these are all separate services and not the responsibility of Adult Care Services.
What if I Disagree with a Decision to Help or not Help Me?
If you do not agree with the decisions made regarding your needs or the services offered or not offered, please explain to the person who is doing your assessment with you.
If you cannot come to agreement, please ask for the name of their Manager and ask to speak to them.
If you remain dissatisfied, please register a complaint.
You must be given a copy of your Assessment and Plan of Care.
