Direct Payments
Arranging your own care or support so you can live independently at home
The Government has set up Direct Payments so that the County Council can pay money to people who want to arrange their own care or support at home instead of us providing it.
There is a separate scheme for disabled children and young disabled people
Our Direct Payment scheme is different to the Department of Work and Pensions Direct Payment Scheme where benefits are paid into bank accounts.
Please use the links below to find out more:
Who can ask for Direct Payments?
- older people who need support to live safely and independently
- people with a learning disability
- people with physical or sensory impairment
- people with HIV or AIDS
- people with mental health problems
AND who are assessed by the Adult Social Care and Health Department as being in need of support.
A leaflet about how to get help from Adult Social Care and Health, tells you more about assessment and eligibility. Ask for a copy at your local Adults Department office.
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Direct Payments CAN be used for:
help with daily living.
You can use Direct Payments to employ your own staff for:-
- help with washing, showering, eating, dressing, toileting and getting in and out of bed
- help with things you do in the day
- practical help, for example: shopping, collecting pension, essential cleaning and preparing a meal
- short breaks for yourself
- breaks for someone who cares for you.
For information about using Direct Payments for special equipment to help with bathing, toileting and getting in and out of bed, contact your local Occupational Therapy team.
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Direct Payments CANNOT be used for:-
- services provided by the Adult Social Care and Health Department
- accommodation/housing costs
- services for your health care needs
- for long term residential or nursing care
- paying someone who lives with you to help you.
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How can I get Direct Payments?
If you have a learning disability get in touch with your local Community Learning Disability team. Alternatively, contact your local Adults Department office.
We will arrange for someone to talk to you about what you need and whether Direct Payments are right for you.
If you want special equipment get in touch with our local Occupational Therapy team.
If you have a social worker please let them know that you are interested in having Direct Payments.
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What happens next?
Before you can have Direct Payments you will need to:
- sign an Agreement which includes a list of the help that your Direct Payments can be used for. It also tells you what you can expect from us and what you must do.
- open a separate bank account
- keep records on how you spend your Direct Payments
- make sure the support you need is ready.
We need to know how and when it will happen.
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Can I get help with using my Direct Payments?
Independent advice and help can be given by The Rowan Organisation:
tel: 0800 783 1755
fax: 01827 718 932
minicom: 0800 917 8897
e-mail: info@therowan.org
website: www.therowan.org
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Other frequently asked questions
- How long can I have Direct Payments for?
This depends on you and your situation. We will talk to you at least once a year about your Direct Payments. Please let us know about any changes that may affect your Direct Payments as soon as you can.
- What if I only want to arrange part of my own care?
If you only want a Direct Payment for part of your care, Social Services can arrange the rest.
- Will I have to pay money towards my care if I have Direct Payments?
Before you get Direct Payments we will do a financial assessment to work out how much, if anything, you should pay towards the cost of your care. You will only have to pay the same as you would if you were getting services directly from the Adult Social Care and Health Department.
You may also be able to apply for money from the Independent Living Fund if you are under 66 years old.
If you want to know more talk to your social worker.
- Can Direct Payments affect Social Security benefits?
NO. Direct Payments do not affect Social Security benefits.
- Do I pay tax on Direct Payments?
NO. Direct Payments are not counted as taxable income.
- Can I stop my Direct Payments?
Yes. If you decide you want to stop your Direct Payments you need to tell us straight away
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