Following a care assessment (Care Act 2014 assessment), you will get a personal budget. This is the total amount you will receive for your care and support. Your Social Care Worker will help you explore the support available in your community that may interest you and meet your needs.
You can choose to have all or part of your personal budget as a Direct Payment.
Direct Payments give you more choice, control, and flexibility over your care and support arrangements.
Who can have a Direct Payment?
As well as completing a care assessment you must be:
- a disabled person aged 16 years and above
- a parent of (or people with parental responsibility for) disabled children
- a carer aged 16 years and above
- a disabled person with parental responsibilities for a child
- an appointed suitable or authorised person (agreed by the Council) for someone who lacks capacity
In most cases, the Council must offer Direct Payments, but for some people who are subject to some mental health legislation or aspects of criminal justice legislation the Council have the power rather than duty. Please ask your social work team more about this. Some people who are placed under certain conditions by courts in relation to drug and alcohol dependencies, are excluded from receiving Direct Payments.
Types of Direct Payment accounts
Managed account
This is an account that is managed by a Direct Payment support service. The support service will ensure financial elements such as wages and tax bills are paid correctly.
Pre-payment card account
This is an account we will set up for you, we will provide you with a pre-payment card that is simple and easy to use. You can then pay for services through the card or online bank transfers.
Your Social Care Worker will talk through these options and other alternatives to work out what is best for you.