Find a care referral or funding route

1. 1

   Ask the council’s adult social care team for a needs assessment. The assessment itself is free; any later care charges are considered separately.

2. 2

   Explain which everyday tasks are difficult, the help already available and what you want to manage. Ask about a home assessment if equipment or adaptations could help.

3. 3

   If support is recommended, ask which options are available locally and whether a separate financial assessment is needed.

Source guidance checked 10 September 2026. Follow the linked official pages for current rules. Back to all routes

1. 1

   Adults who look after someone can ask for a free carer’s assessment. It is separate from the assessment of the person receiving care.

2. 2

   Tell the council how caring affects your own health, work, relationships and time for yourself.

3. 3

   Parents caring for a disabled child should ask the council’s children’s services about the appropriate assessment. Young carers have a separate support route.

Source guidance checked 10 September 2026. Follow the linked official pages for current rules. Back to all routes

1. 1

   Use the NHS Talking Therapies finder for the service covering your area. Many services allow self-referral; check the local route and age requirements.

2. 2

   The local team will explain assessment and available options. A directory listing or published waiting statistic does not establish individual eligibility.

3. 3

   Use the reporting organisation’s published access and outcome figures as background. They describe past cohorts and do not predict your treatment or wait.

Source guidance checked 10 September 2026. Follow the linked official pages for current rules. Back to all routes

1. 1

   Find the SEND Local Offer on your council’s website. It explains local education, health and social care services and how to contact them.

2. 2

   Ask the relevant service about its referral route, age range and geographical criteria. Routes for children and adults can differ.

3. 3

   For autism or ADHD assessment, confirm the local pathway with your GP or existing care team. National management information and waiting lists cover different populations and cannot forecast an individual diagnostic wait.

Source guidance checked 10 September 2026. Follow the linked official pages for current rules. Back to all routes

1. 1

   Use the NHS Business Services Authority eligibility information to check help with health costs. Different rules apply to different costs and personal circumstances.

2. 2

   For travel, check the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme requirements before assuming a journey is covered. It has specific financial and referral conditions.

3. 3

   Ask the hospital about claims, receipts and any medically necessary escort. Patient transport and reimbursement of travel costs are separate arrangements.

Source guidance checked 10 September 2026. Follow the linked official pages for current rules. Back to all routes

1. 1

   Discuss the suitable referral options with your GP or referring clinician. Choice rights depend on the service and circumstances; check the NHS England guidance.

2. 2

   Compare the same published specialty, period and reporting level. Trust figures may cover several hospitals.

3. 3

   Confirm where you would attend, the current referral route and how travel or accessibility would work before making arrangements.

Source guidance checked 10 September 2026. Follow the linked official pages for current rules. Back to all routes