The Care Act 2014 provides a framework for the provision of care and support services in England. It ensures that people receive the care they need while promoting their well-being and independence.
Understanding your rights and the appeals process under the Care Act 2014 is crucial to ensuring you receive the care and support you need. This information is to guide you through the steps and provide the necessary resources to support your appeal.
The Care Act 2014
The purpose of the Care Act is to ensure that peoples’ well-being is at the heart of care and support services. Some of its key principles centre around:
- promoting well-being
- preventing, reducing and delaying needs, and
- providing information and advice
Care Act appeals
You can appeal decisions related to:
- eligibility for care and support
- assessment and review outcomes
- care and support plans
Our process for appealing against a financial assessment can be found in our Financial Charging Policy on our Paying for Care pages.
Find out about Financial Assessment Appeals
You might appeal a Care Act decision for several reasons, such as:
- disagreement with an assessment
if you believe the assessment of your strengths and care needs is incorrect or incomplete - eligibility disputes
If you have been deemed ineligible for certain services or care and support that you believe you need - inadequate care and support
if the care and support plan provided does not:- build on your strengths,
- enable you to engage with your community
- prevent, reduce, or delay your needs, or
- does not meet your needs
You must submit your appeal within four weeks of receiving your completed assessment, review or care and support plan.
For complaints about anything else you will need to follow our complaints procedures.
Initial steps for raising concerns
1. Informal Resolution
Before making a formal appeal, try to resolve the issue informally by discussing your concerns with the social care worker or their Team Leader.
2. Documentation
Keep detailed records of all communications and decisions.
Formal appeal process
Find out more about the formal process and read our guidance notes for completing an appeal
Additional support and resources
Advocacy Services
You have the right to an advocate who can support you through the appeals process.
Legal Advice
Consider seeking your own legal advice if your appeal is complex.
Support Organisations
Contact organisations like:
for additional support and guidance
Key contacts
- Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
PO Box 4771
Coventry
CV4 0EH
Telephone: 0300 061 0614
Website: www.lgo.org.uk/contact-us - Advocacy Services
PO Box 375
Hastings
East Sussex
TN34 9HU
Email: info@theadvocacypeople.org.uk
Telephone: 0330 440 9000
Website: www.theadvocacypeople.org.uk