Free letter templates
In short: Three free letters you can copy or download: ask for a care needs assessment, ask for a carer’s assessment, or make a complaint.
Copy a letter, or download it as a file. Fill in the parts in [square brackets]. Keep a copy and note the date you sent it.
Ask for a care needs assessment
[Your name]
[Your address]
[Date]
Adult Social Care
[Council name and address]
Dear Sir or Madam,
Request for a care needs assessment
I am writing to ask for a needs assessment for [me / name, date of birth, address], under section 9 of the Care Act 2014.
[I / They] need help with:
- [for example: washing and dressing]
- [for example: cooking and eating]
- [for example: moving around safely]
Please contact me on [phone number] or [email] to arrange this. Please tell me how long it will take, and send the outcome in writing.
[If writing for someone else: They know about and agree to this request.]
Yours faithfully,
[Your name]
Ask for a carer's assessment
[Your name]
[Your address]
[Date]
Adult Social Care
[Council name and address]
Dear Sir or Madam,
Request for a carer's assessment
I care for [name], who is my [relationship]. I am asking for a carer's assessment under section 10 of the Care Act 2014.
Caring affects my [health / sleep / work / time for myself]. I would like to talk about support for me, such as breaks.
Please contact me on [phone number] or [email]. Please send the outcome in writing.
Yours faithfully,
[Your name]
Make a complaint to the council
[Your name]
[Your address]
[Date]
Complaints Team
[Council name and address]
Dear Sir or Madam,
Formal complaint: adult social care
I am making a formal complaint about [what happened, for example: a delay with my needs assessment].
What happened:
- On [date] I [asked for / was told] ...
- Since then ...
How this has affected [me / them]: ...
To put this right, I would like: [for example: an assessment date within 2 weeks].
Please send me a written reply. If I am not happy with the answer, I understand I can go to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
Yours faithfully,
[Your name]
Dealing with PIP too? Our PIP and Appeal Workbook walks you through it step by step. It costs £6.99. Everything else here stays free.
Need to know what to say? See How to get a care needs assessment.
Information only. Not legal advice. Free help: Citizens Advice.
Where this applies: England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different rules.
Written by Social Care Made Easy. Last checked: 25 October 2026.