3. The need of an adult referred to in regulation 2(1) meets the eligibility criteria if—
(a)the need arises from the adult’s physical or mental ill-health, age, disability, dependence on alcohol or drugs, or other similar circumstances;
(b)the need relates to one or more of the following—
(i)ability to carry out self-care or domestic routines;
(ii)ability to communicate;
(iii)protection from abuse or neglect;
(iv)involvement in work, education, learning or in leisure activities;
(v)maintenance or development of family or other significant personal relationships;
(vi)development and maintenance of social relationships and involvement in the community; or
(vii)fulfilment of caring responsibilities for a child;
(c)the need is such that the adult is not able to meet that need, either—
(i)alone;
(ii)with the care and support(1) of others who are willing to provide that care and support; or
(iii)with the assistance of services in the community to which the adult has access; and
(d)the adult is unlikely to achieve one or more of the adult’s personal outcomes unless—
(i)the local authority provides or arranges care and support to meet the need; or
(ii)the local authority enables the need to be met by making direct payments(2).
“Care and support” is partially defined in section 4 of the Act.
Regulations under sections 50 to 53 of the Act may require or allow a local authority to make payments to a person towards the cost of meeting their needs. Such payments are referred to in the Act as “direct payments”.