Points for the daily living component activities
Points for the daily living component activities
The daily living activities are listed in column 1 of the table in part 2 of schedule 1 of the ADP regulations (‘the daily living activities table’).
Each of the daily living activities includes a number of related descriptors (listed in column 2 of the table) which represent a range of abilities to undertake the activity and associated numerical points (shown in column 3 of the table).
Decide which descriptors apply for each activity
You’ll decide for each activity which of the descriptors apply to the individual and, therefore, how many points they receive.
You should consider that an individual’s ability to carry out daily living activities may fluctuate.
As a result, they may satisfy several different descriptors for an activity at different times within the required period.
Principles for choosing the right descriptor
The correct descriptor is chosen based on the following principles:
- where one descriptor is satisfied on over 50% of the days of the required period, it’s the correct descriptor
- where 2 or more descriptors are each satisfied on over 50% of the days of the required period, the descriptor with the higher or highest number of points is the correct descriptor
- where no descriptor is satisfied on over 50% of the days of the required period but 2 or more descriptors (other than a descriptor which scores 0 points) are satisfied for periods which, when added together, amount to over 50% of the days of the required period, the correct descriptor is either:
- the descriptor which is satisfied for the greater or greatest proportion of days of the required period, or
- where both or all descriptors as satisfied for the same proportion, the descriptor which scores the higher or highest number of points (ADP Regs, reg 10(1))
A descriptor is to be treated as satisfied on a day in the required period if:
- the descriptor has been satisfied for any part of the day which is not minimal or fleeting (ADP regs, Reg 10(2))
The required period for determining the relevant descriptor is covered in more detail in separate guidance (link to required period conditions).
Reliability criteria
A descriptor is satisfied if an individual can complete the activity in accordance with the descriptor:
- safely;
- to an acceptable standard;
- repeatedly; and
- within a reasonable time period (ADP Regs, reg 7(2) and (3))
These are the ‘reliability’ criteria and are more fully detailed in the overview of decision making chapter.
If an individual cannot complete an activity in the way described in a descriptor in accordance with the reliability criteria, then they should be considered unable to complete it at that level, and a higher descriptor may be considered appropriate.