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Social Services - Direct Payments

What is a Direct Payment?

If you have a physical, sensory or learning disability, or are disabled by illness and you need care, you may be eligible to receive cash via a direct payment to purchase your own care.

 

• This scheme is available to adults, children, both cared for and carers.

The Direct Payment Scheme is designed to give you more independence, choice and control and to help you manage your life in your own home.  If you need help or assistance with personal care or everyday living tasks, you have three options:

 

• to receive care directly from Social Services

• to receive money on the Direct Payment to purchase care privately

• or a combination of the two

You may also be able to use Direct Payments for short periods of respite care, if agreed by Social Services as part of your need.

How do Direct Payments work?

A social worker will visit you to talk about your situation and the help that you need.  This is called an assessment.  For example you may need help with personal care such as washing, dressing, or tasks such as shopping or meal preparation.

If you choose to receive Direct Payments to pay for some or all of the help that you need, the weekly cost will be worked out.  Social Services will then pay you the money every four weeks in advance.  This payment could be made to a parent or carer in some circumstances.

You have to use the Direct Payment money to pay somebody to help you, or for equipment or a service that you have been assessed as needing.  We will ask you to keep simple records of how the money is spent.  By managing your own assistance in this way, you have more choice of who assists you, and at what time - to fit in with your lifestyle.

Who can I employ?

You can employ anyone as long as the person is not your spouse/partner or close relative.

To receive Direct Payments

You must be:

 

• assessed as needing help from Social Services, or already receiving care from Social Services

• willing and able to manage your own arrangements

Assistance will be provided from the Direct Payments Support Team.  They can help with the recruitment of a Personal Assistant if you need it, advise on the record keeping requirements and offer ongoing support whenever you need it.

Will I have to pay?

You may be asked to make a contribution towards the cost of your care, depending on your circumstances.  This is worked out in accordance with the Social Services Charging Policy.

Will Direct Payments affect my benefits?

No.  Direct Payments are not taken into consideration when the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) calculate your benefits.  Also you do not have to pay tax on the direct payment money.