What is a Direct Payment?
A Direct Payment is money which the County Council give to people who would like to arrange and pay for their own care and support services instead of receiving them directly from the Social Care and Health Directorate. Many disabled people and older people need help to live the lifestyle of their choice. Being able to have some control over your life is what Direct Payments is all about.
They are available to increase flexibility, choice and control over the way you can receive Social Care Services

What effect will a Direct Payment have on any Benefits I receive?
A Direct Payment is not regarded as income and therefore will not affect any of your benefits you may be receiving.

Who is eligible?
Those people already receiving Social Care Services. You can ask for a Direct Payment as an alternative to the services you are already receiving.

Disabled and aged 16 years or over.

A Parent or Carer aged 16 years or over (including people with parental responsibility for a disabled child.

If you are an Older Person.

What if I don’t receive any support from Social Services?
If you are not receiving Social care Services but need support to remain living in your own home you can contact Social Care Services to ask for your needs to be assessed. They will then discuss with you, the Direct Payments/Personal Budget option with you.

What do I do if my circumstances change?
If your needs change (for better or worse, or in the long or short term) you must contact Social Services as soon as possible so that they can reassess the level of payments you need.
Example: If you don’t need to spend the full amount because your condition improves temporarily, or you go into hospital, they may need to adjust your payment.

What if I don’t want to continue with Direct Payments?
If you decide you don’t want to continue then Social Services will arrange serviced provided by themselves instead.

What can I use my Direct Payment for?
You can use your Direct Payment to arrange the services (including equipment) which will meet the needs you have been assessed as having. You may employ a Personal Assistant if you feel that this is the best support for you. As a general principle, Social Services aim to leave you to choose how best to meet your assessed needs as long as they are satisfied that agreed support and/or arrangements are being met.

How much will you get?
The amount you receive will depend on the Assessment of your needs. Your financial circumstances will also be assessed to found out if you need to make a contribution towards the cost of your care. This financial assessment is based on the Disabled Person applying for a Direct Payment/Personal Budget and not the family whom they live with.

What is the first thing I need to do if I am given a Direct Payment or Personal Budget?
First of all, you will have to open a separate Bank Account in the person’s name, who is requesting a Direct Payment. It is better to keep this separate from any other Bank Accounts which you may hold. If you are acting on behalf of someone who cannot manage their finances then your name will have to go on the Bank Account as well as the Direct Payment recipient:
Example: (Mr or Mrs ………… on behalf of (name of DP recipient)
If you have any problems opening a Bank Account then please get in touch with a member of E.L.I.T.E who will help you to do this.
How will it be paid?
You will pass your Bank Details on to the Direct Payment team who will arrange payment which is usually on a fortnightly basis.

What can’t I use Direct Payments for?
You cannot use Direct Payments to:
Pay for permanent residential accommodation (but you may be able to use Direct Payments to secure occasional short periods in residential accommodation). However, this has to be agreed by Social Services if this is what you need.

Regularly pay your spouse or civil partner, close relative or anyone who lives in the same household as you. Only in exceptional circumstances can payments be made in this way.

Buy Council services or health care.

Do I have to keep a record of how I spend my Direct Payments?
If you receive Direct Payments you will need to account for the money you spend. The Direct Payment team will tell you what records you need to keep and what information you will be expected to provide such as timesheets signed by Personal Assistants or receipts for services from Agencies. Checks have to me made to make sure that your needs are being met by the Direct Payment. This may involve a visit to your home.

Is there anything else which I need to know?
You must:
Only use the money to meet your assessed needs

Keep the payments in a separate Bank Account

Manage and account for the money you are given

Sign an Agreement to say you understand the principles of the scheme

Recruit and pay your staff or arrange alternative services. This includes paying their tax and providing a Job Description.

Accept the responsibilities in employing and organising your staff

Make sure your staff are treated reasonably and that their health and safety is protected.

Arrange for a CRB check (Criminals Record Bureau) on any Personal Assistant you wish to employ.