Spending Direct Payments
Spending the Direct Payment
The Direct Payment is for you to buy the services that will meet your assessed needs. The money is given to you so you can control how and when and where you have your support. Examples of how the money can be used include:
- Arranging a home care worker to come at times you require
- Employing your own staff (Personal Assistants)
- Paying for a 'live in carer' who you recruit from a specialist agency
- Paying for short breaks (Respite)
- Buying equipment
- Paying for day opportunities
You cannot use Direct Payments to:
- Pay for permanent residential care, or
- Buy council run social care services or health care, or
- Regularly pay your spouse or civil partner, close relatives or anyone who lives in the same household as you.
If you think your needs can only be met by using your spouse or some other close family member you must discuss your situation with your local Social Services/ Assessment Worker before you make any such payments.
What to do if your circumstances change
If there is any change in needs contact your assessor or the local Social Services access point as soon as possible so the situation can be reassessed and any adjustment to the payment be made. The money you get is to meet the needs agreed. It is public money and is not yours to spend on other things. You will need to keep records on how the money is spent. If it is not spent on meeting your needs you may be required to repay the money given to you.
Direct payments can be given on a "one-off" basis or to fund an ongoing care package.
Download the Staffordshire County Council Brochure for More Information:
Useful contacts and links:
Direct
Gov - Caring for Someone
Direct
Gov - Disabled People
Direct
Gov - Financial support
Direct
Payments Support
Stoke City Council
Department
of Health
Carers
Information
DASH