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What are Direct Payments?
What are direct payments?
Direct payments are a different way to get support from community care. Instead of community care arranging care or support for you, you can have a cash payment instead and make your own arrangements. Direct payments let you decide how you want to meet your needs. It allows you to live more independently and have more choice and control over the way you live your life.
Who can benefit from direct payments?
Direct payments can be made to help people who are assessed as eligible for needing Community Care services and have
- a physical disability
- a learning disability
- a sensory impairment such as being blind or deaf
- problems due to being frail or elderly
- mental health issues *
- a long term illness
- a disabled child who needs services from Children and Young People's service.
- to care for a person with a disability or long term illness.
If you are assessed as being eligible for community care services, you will also need to be
- 16 years old or over
- able to agree that you want a direct payment
- able to manage the money given to you by a direct payment. You can do this alone or with someone’s help.
* Some people are excluded from having direct payments due to orders under mental health or criminal justice legislation.
How can I use the direct payments?
You must use the money to pay for meeting the needs that have been agreed in the assessment or care plan.
Some examples of how you can use direct payments are
- to employ Personal Assistants
- to use a care agency
- to pursue leisure or social activities
- to buy small pieces of equipment
- to have respite or short breaks.
Are there any restrictions on how I use my direct payment?
Yes. Direct payments are only for assessed care or support needs. They cannot be spent on other things, such as
- housing cost or household bills
- health care
- residential homes (unless for a short respite breaks)
- to employ a family member who lives in the same house.
What are my responsibilities if I chose to have direct payments?
You are expected to pay for the care or support that we agreed. You will also need to keep records to show us how you have spent the direct payments.
Will receiving direct payments affect my benefits?
No. You are still entitled to your benefits.
Is receiving direct payments optional?
Yes. If you are assessed as being eligible for services then you can choose to let Social Services arrange your care or you can have a direct payment and make your own arrangements.
You could also choose to have some of your needs met using direct payments and have some of needs met by Social Services.
Will anyone help me?
Yes. We have a direct payments support service for anyone wanting support or independent advice on the use of Direct Payments. Alternatively, you can contact the Neighbourhoods and community care office and speak to the Direct Payments Team, who will also offer help and advice on the use of Direct Payments. (See below for contact details).
How do I find out more information?
Contact your local Neighbourhoods and Community Care office or the Direct Payments Team on (0114) 273 5461
Or you can get independent advice from the direct payments support service, Penderels Trust on (0114) 243 8111
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