Direct Payments Scheme

What are Direct Payments?

Direct Payments are cash payments that can be made to people instead of receiving a service arranged for them by Social Services, if they have been assessed as needing services. A Direct Payment can give more flexibility in how services are provided to enable people to make their own decisions about how their care is delivered. Social Services gives you the money to become the employer of your own personal assistants or to purchase appropriate services.

This means that you can choose not only who assists you, but how and when you receive that assistance. So you have more control, choice and flexibility in your care.

Who can get Direct Payments?

• over 16 years of age 
• a parent of a child with a disability
• a carer aged 16 or over
• entitled to Community Care services (you will probably already be receiving services) and
• willing and capable of managing the scheme (with support if necessary)

How can I use the money?

A Direct Payment can be made for you to purchase services or employ staff instead of receiving arranged services. This can include:

• domiciliary personal care
• Day Centre attendance
• respite care
• equipment and adaptations (not those funded through the Disabled Facilities Grant).

What support is there?

The Direct Payments Support Service provided by Poole Rights Organisation on Disability (PRO Disability ) will be able to assist you. They are a local organisation of disabled people in Poole working to promote the rights of the disabled community. One of their support workers can help you with all aspects of establishing your scheme including:

• budgeting and keeping financial records
• job descriptions
• recruitment, contracts and insurance

They can provide you with ongoing support through their payroll and financial returns services.

How does the Direct Payment Scheme work?

Your needs will be discussed with you and agreed at an assessment meeting with your social worker or care manager.

To help you decide whether Direct Payments are what you want, a support worker from PRO Disability will meet with you. They can help you set up your scheme in the way that you would like.

If you have not had a financial assessment within the last year a new one will be carried out and you may be required to make a contribution towards your care, as you would if you were receiving arranged services.

Once set up, we will pay the money for purchasing your care services monthly or quarterly in advance.  You will receive the money by one of the following methods:

• Direct Payments Pre-loaded Card - very similar to a debit card, making it easy for you to make the payments you need to and reducing paperwork
• Having your own bank account, solely for Direct Payments.  You will need to keep copies of all bank statements and receipts, etc
• If you are unable to manage the money, you may choose to use the Direct Payments Support Service banking services

You have control of the account and will need to keep financial records of your transactions.  Your scheme may include funding to enable you to purchase assistance for this.

Restrictions on using the money 

In most circumstances you cannot employ your husband, wife or partner, or if they live with you:

• your parents or your children
• your "in-laws" or step children
• your brother, sister, aunt or uncle
• your grandparents

The money must only be spent on meeting the agreed needs in your care plan.

What are the advantages?

• You will have more choice and control over the way you receive care
• People who use the scheme have found more creative ways of meeting their needs, thus improving their opportunity for independence
• Direct Payments can offer you flexibility, so your care fits in around your lifestyle
• Direct Payments enables you to change the way you organise your care arrangements as much as your budget allows
• With an emphasis on promoting independence and aiding social inclusion there may be more opportunities for rehabilitation, education, leisure and employment

What happens if I don't get on with the scheme?

If you run into difficulties or find that Direct Payments is not really suited to you, speak to your care manager who will arrange for you to receive the community care services you need.

How do I find out more?

If you are interested in Direct Payments and over 18 years old, contact your Care Manager or Social Worker, or:

• Social Services Help Desk
• PRO Disability   Tel: 01202 723301  Fax: 01202 738630  e-mail: info@prodisability.org.uk

If you are 16-17 years old or a parent of a disabled child contact:

• Children and Young People's Social Care  Tel: 01202 735046.