Direct Payments

A Direct Payment is an alternative way of receiving a service from the Social Services. 

Instead of a service being arranged for you, you will receive a cash payment. You can then use this money to arrange your own support, giving you more choice, control and flexibility over how your needs are met.

A Direct Payment can be paid to the following groups of people, following an assessment of need by a case manager:

• People with a Physical Impairment
• People with a Sensory Impairment
• People with a Learning Disability
• People with Mental Ill Health
• People with parental responsibility for a disabled child
• Children with a Disability aged 16 or 17 years old
• Carers (Including Young Carers aged 16 or 17 years old)

You can use Direct Payments in many different ways.  Most people choose to employ a Personal Assistant (PA) however this is not the only way they can be used.  You might decide to contract privately with an agency, or even a mixture of the two.

Direct Payments can also be used to purchase long-term residential care or nursing care.  You can't use Direct Payments to pay for Council-funded services (such as certain day centres).

Comments from people already receiving a Direct Payment

"is gaining confidence to plan ahead and try out new things.  It has greatly improved his quality of life"

 

"I am more than satisfied - I have all the support I need"

 

"For us, everything has worked out well with the aid of our Independent Living Adviser"

 

"Recent use of a care agency due to sickness of Personal Assistant makes me appreciate the Direct Payments system and the freedom to employ my own staff"

If you do not have a social worker, you should contact Contact OneVale, they will arrange for an assessment to take place. An assessment must take place before Direct Payments can be paid.

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