What are Direct Payments?
Direct Payments are a different way by which local councils can deliver their Social Services responsibilities.
Whenever a person is assessed as needing social care services there is a duty to offer that person a Direct Payment in respect of those services. The Direct Payment is the provision of money to people who have agreed to arrange and pay for the care and support services they need instead of having them arranged or provided by the council's Social Services.
Who can have direct payments?
Most people who have the need for social care support. They must agree to receive the Direct Payments and be able to manage them (with support if required). Examples are:
- Disabled people over 16 years
- Families with disabled children
- Carers
- Older people
How do you get a Direct Payment?
If you already receive social care services arranged or provided by Social Services ask the worker who assessed your needs for a direct payment. If you do not remember the worker's name contact your local Social Services access point.
If you are not receiving social care services you can not get a Direct Payment until your needs are assessed. To arrange an assessment you will have to contact your local Social Services access point and participate in an assessment to identify your needs and what social care services you will require before a direct payment can be offered.
How much do you get?
The amount of your Direct Payment depends on the assessment of your needs and on whether you have to make a financial contribution to the cost of the services required. Any financial contribution you have to make is determined by a 'Fairer Charging' assessment, which takes into account your income and savings as well as any expenditure you have to make because of a disability. The Direct Payment is paid directly into your bank, building society, post office, or National Savings account. The Direct Payment is not income and it does not affect your benefits or income tax payments.