Introduction to Direct Payments

Money to pay for the support you need

Your way forward with Direct Payments

Worcestershire County Council can offer Direct Payments as an alternative to traditional social care services. You can have a combination of Direct Payments and services provided by the county council.

What are Direct Payments?  

They are simply payments of money made by the county council to people so they can arrange their own care when they need it.

Who can use Direct Payments?

If you or the person you are caring for has been assessed by the county council as needing social care services, you may be able to have some of these services as Direct Payments. An assessment is a discussion with you about your needs and involves gathering information from people who know you well such as a carer, family member, doctor or community nurse. You will be fully involved with your assessment and will have the opportunity to make your views known.

Lots of people now use Direct Payments:

• Children and families
• Older people
• People with learning disabilities
• People using mental health services
• People with physical disabilities and sensory impairment
• Informal and family carers
• Young carers aged 16 and over

There are specific criteria that will be considered in the assessment of your needs to identify whether you are eligible for a service or Direct Payment from the county council. Please see our separate factsheet: Community Care – Can we help?

What do Direct Payments mean for you?

Direct Payments offer you choice and control over the care and support that you need. This means you can choose who provides your care; when the person comes to assist you; where they go; and what care they provide. Direct Payments offer you more flexibility and independence.

This also means that you have control over your own life and you can make your own decisions.

Direct Payments do not affect any benefits or pensions that you may be receiving.

What can Direct Payments be used for?

The money must be used to buy any social care services that it is agreed you need. There are many possibilities and one of the good things about Direct Payments is that you can be creative in deciding how your needs will be met.

Direct Payments can be used for:

• Personal care and assistance to help you to live in your own home
• Short breaks and respite care
• Support to access community, social and leisure activities
• Transport
• Support for carers
• Items of agreed equipment

Direct Payments cannot be used for:

• Services directly provided by the county council
• Long term residential or nursing care
• Housing services such as rent
• Health services such as physiotherapy
• Household bills

Who can provide my care with Direct Payments?

• You can employ your own carers and support workers
• You can employ family or friends who do not live in the same house as you
• You can use a private care service or agency
• You can ‘pool’ your Direct Payment with other people

Will it cost me anything to use Direct Payments?

You will be given enough money to meet your needs as agreed in your assessment. The services you buy with Direct Payments must not cost more than they would if they were provided directly by the county council.

The county council may ask you to contribute towards the cost of community care services. The same charge applies whether you use Direct Payments or if the county council provides the service. A financial assessment will identify any contribution you may be asked to make towards your care and can also give you advice and information about benefits you may be entitled to claim.

What does Direct Payments involve?

With support and information, most people can manage Direct Payments. You need a bank account just for Direct Payments and you will also need to keep records and receipts to show how you have spent your Direct Payments. You will then have the freedom to arrange your own care that best meets your needs.

Advice and Support

You can have as much support as you need to help you to use Direct Payments. You can also choose who helps you to use Direct Payments. This may be a family member or an advocate.

An information and advice service is available from Penderels Trust. They can help you with:

• How to access Direct Payments
• What Direct Payments can be used for and how they can be spent
• How to employ personal assistants and support workers with advice on how to be a ‘good employer’

A support network of people already using Direct Payments also meets regularly in Worcestershire. Penderels Trust can give you information about the network and where and when they meet.

For further details :

You can contact the support service at:
Penderels Trust
Unit 327, Hartlebury Trading Estate
Hartlebury
Kidderminster
DY11 4JB

Tel: 01299 253 225
Fax: 01299 251 206
Website: www.penderelstrust.org.uk
Email: worcester@penderelstrust.org.uk