Establishing an individual’s care needs and impact of their condition

When reviewing information, consider the impact of the disability or condition:

on the individual
on their care needs

Information which directly mentions their functional ability and symptoms:

may be helpful in understanding their condition
should be considered within the context of how it will impact them
is not essential information when establishing their needs

Information may not directly reference functional ability or symptoms. Instead, it may describe general themes. You can still use these to understand the severity of a disability or condition and the resulting needs.

For more information on how to interpret information to establish the individual’s care needs in relation to the Scottish Adult DLA criteria, see the decision-making guidance on Rates and Payment.

Existing support and provisions

Some information may not directly tell you what the individual’s needs are. However, you may interpret the information to understand their needs. This includes where information provides details on existing support and provisions. This information may not explain the individual’s needs but the need for such support and provisions can indicate the needs the individual is more likely than not to have.

If you're unsure about how to interpret information that does not directly describe an individual’s symptoms and/or needs, read the advice and guidance on choosing the right decision-making tool. This might include a case discussion. That could help you determine if the needs stated are consistent with the individual’s disability or condition.

You know:

they have osteoporosis
they use a standing frame and a chair full time
they write in their application that they have trouble standing and walking

You can use this information to understand their functional ability.

Someone from an individual's wider support network tells us the individual gets short breaks every few months. Short breaks used to be known as respite.

This information can help you understand an application which says an individual has trouble looking after themselves without help.

Part of Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance decision making guide

Establishing an individual’s care needs and impact of their condition

Existing support and provisions

Example: an occupational therapist says an individual uses specialist equipment

Example: an individual who receives short breaks

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