Direct Payments

Direct payments are local council payments for people who have been assessed as needing help from social services, and who would like to arrange and pay for their own care and support services instead of receiving them directly from the local council. A person must be able to give their consent to getting direct payments and manage them, even if they need daily help to do this.

How can I get direct payments?

Most people who have been assessed as needing a social care service can get direct payments. This includes people with:

•     physical or sensory impairment
•     learning disabilities
•     mental health problems
•     a long-term illness or who need help because of the effects of growing older.

You can also receive direct payments if you are a:

•     carer who has been assessed as needing support in your own right
•     parent of a disabled child for services that support you with your child.

What can direct payments be used for?

You can use direct payments to arrange support tailored to meet your individual needs. You can decide what sort of help you need, how you want the help to be provided and the times when you want to have help. The money must be used to meet the needs for which Social Services have agreed you should have help. You can do this by:

•     employing your own support staff
•     buying services from private care agencies
•     paying for daytime opportunities.

What are the advantages of direct payments?

You are in control. You can choose who supports you, how they support you and when. People who use direct payments enjoy the flexibility and choice that direct payments can bring, and frequently comment on how they have gained greater self-esteem, confidence, and control over how they live their lives

Nurse Plus accept Direct Payments