A Direct Payment is a cash payment given by the Council to individuals to enable them to buy services that they have been assessed as needing. Providing money in place of Social Care services gives people greater choice over their lives. It enables them to make their own decisions about how their care is delivered.
Who can get a Direct Payment?
Most people who have been assessed as needing a social care service. This includes people with physical or sensory impairment, learning difficulties, mental health problems, a long term illness or those who need help because of the effects of growing old. You can also receive Direct Payments if you are a Carer who has been assessed as needing support in your own right, or a parent of a disabled child for the services that support you in bringing up your child.
What can I not use a Direct Payment for?
Direct Payments is not extra money to spend as you wish; they cannot be used to buy long-term residential or nursing care, or to buy a service that is managed by us. You will usually have to contribute to the cost of your services. The exact amount depend on your income and savings, but it will be the same amount as you would be charged for services had Bury Council provided them directly.
What can Direct Payments be used for?
Direct Payments can be used to arrange support to meet your individual needs.You decide what sort of help you need, how you want the help provided, and the times when you want the help. Direct Payments must only be used to meet the needs that have been agreed on your care plan.You can employ your own support staff, buy services from private care agencies or pay for daytime opportunities.
How much money will I get?
You will be offered a payment equivalent to our estimate of the cost that you would incur to buy the service you need. If you choose to employ your own support staff, the level of payment will include allowances for meeting all your statutory responsibilities as an employer.
How will the money be paid?
You must open a separate bank account for Direct Payments. Payments will be made four-weekly in advance into your account. You will have to provide records of how you have used the money to pay for the help you need.
Will my benefits be affected?
No. Direct Payments are to be used only for meeting your care needs and are not counted as extra income. The payments will not be taken into account by the Benefits Agency. The payments cannot be assessed as income on which you have to pay tax.
What if I no longer need my Direct Payment?
You simply tell us you no longer wish to have Direct Payments and we can ask the relevant Social Care department to review your care plan again to provide alternative services to meet your needs. However, we might not be able to guarantee that this will be with the same agency or provider as before.