Direct payments
If you are eligible for a personal budget, you can have all or part of it paid to you though a direct payment.
This gives you more control on how your money is spent, rather than have it arranged for you. But you must use the direct payment for what has been agreed in your care and support plan.
You can use your direct payment for:
- personal care (including employing a personal assistant)
- day activities
- respite care
- support for daily living (keeping your home clean and safe)
The amount you have to contribute will depend on:
- your savings
- income
- any property you may own
- your disability-related expenditure.
Everyone who has a Direct Payment signs an agreement with the Council which sets out how it works. We will check that having a direct payment is working well for you and how well you are managing this money.
Find out if you are eligible
Whilst most people are eligible to receive direct payments, you may not be eligible if you're:
- on a community order or suspended sentence
- on a community rehabilitation order
- an offender released from prison on licence
- subject to compulsory treatment orders for drug or alcohol dependency
- above the threshold following a financial assessment
How they can be paid
Direct payments can be paid through:
- direct payment card
- direct payment managed account
You should be offered direct payments as an option after your needs assessment.
You can also speak to the Early Resolution team by calling: 01296 383 204 or emailing: [email protected]