Carers providing 20 or more hours of support per week to a disabled person, or older adult, in the Borough of Barnet may be eligible for a carers Direct Payment.

The carers Direct Payment can provide up to £250 per annum in recognition of the valuable support that carers provide. The payment should go towards the cost of work, leisure or training opportunities and is not subject to a financial assessment or service charge.

It is important to note that the purpose of the carers Direct Payment is to meet the needs of a carer and not the person being cared for. If the person being cared for requires support or a Direct Payment they can apply to their appropriate social work, requesting an assessment.

Carers Direct Payments are flexible, examples of current uses include: training courses, gym membership, driving lessons, household items and mobile telephones, however the board will consider any substantiated application.

To apply for a carers Direct Payment you must have a completed carers assessment. For further information contact the Direct Payments Advisory Service on 020-8359-3760 or visit their website http://www.barnet.gov.uk/direct-payments-carers