Eligibility Criteria

We use guidelines to help us decide how to allocate funding.

There are a growing number of people in Midlothian who need services, but we have limited resources.

We use the Scottish Government’s eligibility criteria to make sure that everyone over 16, who needs social care support, has their needs met in a fair way.

We only fund services if there is a Critical or Substantial risk that you will be unable to live independently or to your health and wellbeing.

If there is a Moderate or Low risk that you will be unable to live independently or to your health and wellbeing we will suggest other organisations who may be able to help.

Levels of risk

Critical risk

There are major risks to your capacity to live independently or to your health and wellbeing.

It is likely you will need ‘immediate or imminent’ social care services.

Substantial risk

There are significant risks to your capacity to live independently or to your health and wellbeing.

It is likely you will need ‘imminent’ social care services.

Moderate risk

There are some risks to your capacity to live independently or to your health and wellbeing.

You may need some social care services managed and prioritised on an ongoing basis or you may be able to manage for the foreseeable future without services, with arrangements for review.

Low risk

There are low risks to your capacity to live independently or to your health and wellbeing.

You may only need very limited, if any, social care services. There may be some need for alternative support or advice.