Our aim is to maximise your independence and ensure you receive the support you need. Depending on your needs you may be eligible for social care funding. We will assess individuals in line with guidance set out by the Department of Health. Essex County Council can only meet needs that are assessed as being critical or substantial under this guidance. More information can be found in our prioritising need factsheet. 

Your assessment will address areas such as maintaining your health and wellbeing, accessing your local community, and your potential financial entitlements from other information sources such as benefits. 

If, after the assessments have been carried out, you are entitled to a financial contribution to services from Essex County Council, this can be provided by means of a personal budget.

You will then need to create a support plan to show how the Personal Budget will be used to buy the services that meet your needs.

You are not obligated to undertake any assessments or accept services. If at any point in the process, you decide you would prefer to purchase services privately, without any help from Essex County Council, you can cancel your assessments or services.