If the HSE misses its deadlines, that's grounds for a formal complaint. You don't need a diagnosis to apply, and the assessment won't give one.
Quick facts
- Who
- Born on or after 1 June 2002
- HSE acknowledgement
- Within 14 days
- Assessment starts
- Within 3 months
- Assessment ends
- Within a further 3 months
- Service Statement
- Within 1 month of report
- Complain
- Within 3 months
Who can apply
A parent, guardian or personal advocate can apply for a child with a disability, or who may have one. "The child or young person must be born on or after 1 June 2002." "If you are aged over 16, you can apply for your own Assessment of Need."
"You don't have to get an Assessment of Need to access HSE services." You can apply to services directly too.
The deadlines
Apply in writing to your local HSE Assessment Officer; the form is online or from 1800 700 700. "The HSE must send you this letter within 14 days of your application."
"Once the HSE receives your application in writing, they must start the assessment within 3 months and must finish the assessment within a further 3 months." Any delay must come with reasons and a new date.
The report and Service Statement
"The assessors do not give a diagnosis." The report sets out your child's needs and the services to meet them. The Service Statement lists what the HSE will provide, and "It is prepared by a Liaison Officer and must be completed within one month of the assessment report being completed."
"By law, the HSE must provide the services named in the Service Statement."
Complaints and appeals
You can complain if "An assessment is not started and completed on time", if you disagree with the finding, or if the services aren't delivered. "The complaint must be made within 3 months of when you became aware of the cause of the complaint."
Contact the Disability Complaints Officer on 045 880 400 or aon.complaints@hse.ie. If the HSE doesn't act on the recommendations, appeal to the Disability Appeals Officer or seek a Circuit Court enforcement order.
Common questions
How long does the HSE have to do an Assessment of Need?
It must start within 3 months of your written application and finish within a further 3 months.
Does an Assessment of Need give a diagnosis?
No. The assessors do not give a diagnosis; they identify needs and services.
Does the HSE have to provide the services in the Service Statement?
Yes. By law the HSE must provide the services named in it.
Can I complain if the Assessment of Need is late?
Yes, within 3 months of becoming aware of the problem, to the Disability Complaints Officer.