Direct Payments
‘Direct payments’ are a relatively new way of paying for care. Instead of giving you services, Councils can give you money to pay for your own care (if you meet certain conditions). If you are a carer, you may also be able to get direct payments.
You can use direct payments to pay for almost any care that you need. For example if you can’t do your shopping alone you could use a direct payment to help you do it yourself or to pay for someone to do it for you. Or you might pay for some care while your carer has a break. You can’t use direct payments to pay for permanent places in residential or nursing homes or to buy care from the Council.
Direct payments give you more choice about who cares for you and how. But if you use direct payments, this means you have to become an employer. You would have to sort out contracts, and deduct tax and national insurance. Your Council may be able to give you advice about dealing with these things. Help and advice on how to best deal with these more complicated issues can be gained from Jayne Kinsella (Direct Payment Advisor) from Knowsley Disability Concern on (0151) 480 8873.
You can decide at any time that you don’t want to get direct payments any more, and would rather have services arranged for you.
The Council can stop direct payments if it thinks;
- your needs are no longer being met,
- you can’t manage your payments; or
- you aren’t spending the money properly.
However, they should warn you and give you the chance to discuss the matter before this happens.
Contact: Jayne Kinsella (Direct Payment Advisor) from Knowsley Disability Concern on (0151) 480 8873.
Carers Network Member