Assessment of need

What is an Assessment of Need?

An independent assessment of need is an assessment of the full range of a person’s needs associated with his or her disability. After the assessment, the person or his/her representative will be sent an assessment report detailing any special needs and the services required to meet those needs.

The assessment is independent, based solely on the disability needs of the person and is carried out regardless of the cost or availability of services. All assessments will be carried out in line with our standards.

The Disability Act, 2005 provides for the assessment of need for people with disabilities and the drawing up of a service statement which outlines the individuals needs.

The Assessment of Need is carried out or arranged by assessment officers who are independent officers of the Health Service Executive (HSE). After the assessment, a service statement is drawn up by a liaison officer, who is also an independent HSE official. There is an independent complaints and appeals process for people who are dissatisfied with the assessment, the service statement or with the provision of services.

The Health Information and Quality Authority have adopted the Standards for the Assessment of Need.

Who is entitled to an assessment?

You are entitled to an assessment of need if you consider that you have a disability. You have a disability if there is a substantial restriction in your capacity to carry on a profession, business or occupation or to participate in social or cultural life because of an enduring physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual impairment.

At present only children under the age of five are entitled to an assessment.