Direct payments
What are direct payments?
If you are eligible for a community-care service such as home care, respite or day services, you can now choose to receive an agreed amount of money from us instead of us providing the care. This will mean you can arrange your own help and support to meet your needs.
When we give people money in this way it is known as Direct Payments. Choosing to receive Direct Payments means you can decide how your needs will be met, who will give you support and when.
A direct payment cannot affect social security benefits, and it cannot be classed as taxable income.
Who can get Direct Payment?
We can only give you direct payments if you are eligible for support from us and:
- we are satisfied that you are able and willing to manage the direct payment, either alone or with help
- you are over 16 years old, or
- you are a person with parental responsibility for a disabled child.
If you are a carer, you may be eligible for direct payments. These payments would help to pay for services for yourself, but not for services for the person you care for. Some people cannot receive direct payments under mental health or criminal justice rules.
What can they be used for?
You can use the money you receive as Direct Payments to arrange services (including equipment) that we have agreed with you that you need, either for yourself or for a disabled child. For example, you may choose to employ your own personal assistant, or pay for support provided by a care agency or self-employed person. You cannot employ your partner or a close relative living with you, unless there is no alternative and we have agreed to it. We must be satisfied that services you buy with Direct Payments for a disabled child are in the child’s best interests.
If you want us to arrange some of the services you need, we can also agree to offer you a combination of Direct Payments and direct services. If you choose to have Direct Payments it means that you will be responsible for making sure that you use the money to meet your support needs and not for any other purpose. You cannot use Direct Payments to buy permanent or long-term residential care, or services we already provide direct (such as home care).
What must they not be used for?
You cannot use direct payments to pay for long-term permanent residential care or for services provided by us, as we are not allowed to sell our services in this way. You cannot normally use a direct payment to pay for services from your partner or a close relative. A direct payment cannot replace:
- NHS services
- Housing services
- DSS benefits
- Independent living fund payments
What records are needed?
If you receive direct payments, you will need to have a separate bank account. We will give you advice on how to keep financial records that show how you have spent the direct payment.
How to apply for Direct Payments, and who to contact
Before you apply for Direct Payments, you must make sure you have all the right information to help you decide. If you are already receiving a community-care service from us, or a service for a disabled child, you can contact us at the office which arranges your service to ask for details. Or, you can contact Social Care Direct who will put you in touch with the social care team for where you live.
To apply for Direct Payments please contact the Social Care Direct team.
Or you can contact:
A4e Independent Living Support Service
Charter House
1 Southbourne Business Park
Courtlands Road
Eastbourne BN22 8UY
Tel: 01323 414674
Email: ilss@a4e.co.uk
For more information about direct payments, please download our Taking control of Direct Payments booklet.
