Social services support for adults

How to make a referral

A referral should be made to adult social care in the local authority area where the person is ordinarily resident. If the person has no settled residence, the referral should be made to the local authority where they are currently present. In two-tier areas, the relevant local authority will be the county council.

The local authority's website will usually include information about how to make a referral to adult social care.

The referral should include:

• details of any physical or mental health conditions
• any information that explains why a needs assessment is required
• any available medical evidence
• details of the person's immigration status, where known
• confirmation that the person has, or may have, no recourse to public funds (NRPF)
• any available information about homelessness or destitution

Some local authorities have specialist NRPF teams. However, referrals will usually still need to be made through adult social care because a needs assessment will be required.

Contact details for each local council can be found on GOV.UK.

Housing referrals

An adult with NRP who approaches a local housing authority may not be eligible for homelessness assistance under the Housing Act 1996.

If an adult approaches a housing authority for help, housing should identify the appropriate service to support the person. This may include referring to adult social care or the Home Office. See our webpage on housing and ineligible persons for further information.

Page updated: 08 July 2026