What free personal care is
In Scotland, personal care is free for any adult who has been assessed by their local council as needing it, regardless of income or savings. It was introduced for people aged 65 and over in 2002 and extended to all adults on 1 April 2019, under what is often called Frank’s Law.
What counts as personal care
Personal care covers help with things like personal hygiene, washing and bathing, dressing, eating, continence, simple treatments, help with medication, and help with mobility, such as getting in and out of bed.
What it does not cover
Free personal care does not cover everything. Support such as housework, shopping or social activities may be charged for, depending on your council’s charging policy and a financial assessment. In a care home, accommodation costs are separate.
How to get it
Ask your local council’s social work service for a social care assessment. You can ask yourself, or a family member, GP or hospital team can ask on your behalf. If you are assessed as needing personal care, the council will agree how it is provided, often through Self-directed Support.
Can I use it with a private provider?
Talk to your council about how your support will be arranged. Under Self-directed Support, some people use a direct payment or an Individual Service Fund to choose their own provider. We are happy to talk through your situation.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules and charges can change, so check with your local council. mygov.scot and Care Information Scotland have more detail.