Direct payments give individuals greater choice and control over the support they receive and how it’s provided.
If a person is eligible for council-funded support, they should be able to choose how their money is managed. Some people have their support funding managed by a social worker, but others prefer to have more control over what happens to the money they’re entitled to.
One option is to have money paid directly into a bank account. This means individuals can access it themselves, decide what support they want to buy, and arrange it themselves. This is called a direct payment.
Download our booklet on Direct Payments that gives more detail about them, who is eligible to receive direct payments, how to use them and how we can support through the process.
Direct payments can be used to arrange and pay for the care and support a person needs, which will have been agreed between the individual and their local council and written up in a ‘personal care plan’. For example, direct payments can be used to:
We can provide as much assistance as each person needs in managing the direct payments process, from application to ongoing support. We can help individuals to understand how much money they are entitled to and talk them through how and when they will receive it.
We support each person in exploring their options, like what sorts of support and services they can choose to buy, what types of support aren’t covered by direct payments, and arrangements for paying for them.
For added piece of mind, we can also help to set up a bank account in an individual’s name to receive the direct payments, and provide effective and transparent money management.
Most importantly, we understand that everyone is different – so we adapt our support to fit each individual’s choices and abilities. That means that how ‘hands on’ we are will entirely depend on what they want and need. We encourage everyone to play a full and active part in planning their support, and we work alongside them to help make decisions that are right for each person.
We charge an hourly rate that includes all of the costs associated with supporting an individual. There are no hidden fees, and the cost includes:
If you, a member of your family, or someone you care for would like more information or advice, or have any questions about direct payments and the options available to you, get in touch with us.
We’re here to offer guidance and support, wherever you are and whatever you need.
Call us on 0333 405 1030*
* Calls are charged at your local rate, wherever you’re calling from.
Alternatively please get in touch via our contact us form.
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