Direct payments (Adults)
This information is about Nottinghamshire's Direct Payment scheme for adults.
There is a separate scheme for disabled children and young disabled people.
What is a direct payment?
A direct payment is money offered to people so they can arrange their own care and support at home instead of it being provided by the Adult Social Care and Health Department. To get a direct payment you need to have an assessment by the Adult Social Care and Health Department, or you need to be getting social care already.
Who can receive direct payments?
Adults living in Nottinghamshire who need help and support to stay living in their own homes.
This includes:
- older people who need support to live safely and independently
- people with learning disabilities
- people with physical or sensory impairment
- people with HIV or AIDS
- people with mental health problems
- people who seriously misuse drugs and/or alcohol.
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What can direct payments be used for?
The money CAN be used 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.
- In certain circumstances the Adult Social Care and Health Department will provide a direct payment for equipment to help with bathing, toileting and getting in and out of bed.
The money cannot be used for:
- services provided by Adult Social Care and Health Department
- accommodation/housing costs
- services for your health care needs
- long term residential or nursing care.
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What do direct payments offer?
Direct payments can offer you:
- flexibility and choice - you buy the care and support that suits your needs
- control - you decide how your needs will be met, by whom and at what time.
What am I responsible for?
You are responsible for:
- arranging the services you need
- sorting out any problems with the service
- recording and showing the way you use the money.
If you use the money to employ your own staff:
- you have the legal responsibilities of an employer
- the staff you employ report directly to you.
If you have a contract with an agency, the agency will be accountable to you, not to the Adult Social Care and Health Department.
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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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How do I get direct payments?
Get in touch with our Customer Service Centre. If you have a learning disability get in touch with your local Community Learning Disability Team. We will arrange for you to have an assessment. This means we will talk to you about what you need and decide whether you are eligible for help.
If you have a social worker please let them know that you are interested in having direct payments.
If you need home care then the Adult Social Care and Health Department will provide it for the first 6-8 weeks. This gives us a chance to find out exactly the kind of help you need. If you still need home care after this time you can choose whether to have direct payments or have your home care provided through the Adult Social Care and Health Department
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What happens next?
Before you can have direct payments you will need to:
- sign an agreement which tells you what your direct payments can be used for - it tells you what you can expect from the Adult Social Care and Health Department and what you must do
- open a separate bank account
- keep records of how you spend your direct payments
- make sure any support worker is ready to start.
Other frequently asked questions
Do I have to have direct payments?
If your assessment says you need a social care service, you will usually have a choice.
You can have either:
- the service arranged by the Adult Social Care and Health Department, or
- direct payments.
Direct payments are worked out to give you an amount of money that should allow you to buy the service you are assessed as needing.
How long can I have direct payments for?
This depends on what you need.
If you have direct payments for a long time we will check that they are right for you every year. Please let us know about any changes that may affect your direct payments as soon as you can.
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.
If you are under 66 years old you may be eligible for money from the Independent Living Fund (ILF). If so, you will be expected to apply for this money. The direct payment you get will take the ILF into account. Your social worker will tell you more about this.
Can I use direct payments to employ my relatives?
Direct payments may not normally be used to employ:
- your husband, wife or partner
- a close relative that you live with.
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.
If I employ my own staff how do I know if they are honest and reliable?
We strongly recommend that you take up criminal record bureau (CRB) checks and personal references on anyone you intend to employ. This is for your own protection and security. Your social worker or the Rowan Organisation can give you more information about CRB checks.
What happens if my arrangements go wrong?
You are responsible for making sure that you have help if your usual arrangements go wrong. For example, the person who assists you may not turn up. Your social worker or the Direct Payments Support Service can give you more information about this.
Can I stop my direct payments?
Yes. If you decide you want to stop your direct payments tell us straight away. You can then choose to get your care through the Adult Social Care and Health Department.
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