Direct Payments
Frequently asked questions
Below is an overview of some of the most commonly asked questions about Direct Payments, however you are bound to have many more questions. Please feel free to contact the Direct Payments Advisor who can deal with your queries.
What are Direct Payments?
They are simply a way of giving you choice and control over your support.
How does it work?
The Community Services (or Social Services) Department gives you money, and you use it to pay for the support you need. You need to have an assessment by a Care Manager, who will decide if you are eligible to receive any service or direct payment.
How do they work out how much money to give me?
The amount is based on what it would cost to provide you with a service. Most Social Services departments have adopted standard hourly rates for Direct Payments, however they must consider offering more if their standard rate will not purchase you the support you need and is in your assessment. The Direct Payments Advisor will make sure you know you much money you will get, and that you understand how to manage the budget before you decide whether to agree to Direct Payments.
What can I use my Direct Payment for?
You can use it for anything which meets the needs assessed by the Care Manager or Social Worker.
So, you could employ your own Personal Assistant to help you with day to day activities, personal care and so on.
Or you could use it to purchase help from an agency.
Or for example, you could use it for a piece of equipment, the cost of taking part in an activity, or support to make it possible for you to go on holiday.
You can discuss your ideas first with the Direct Payments Advisor, or with your Care Manager or Social Worker. They can agree to any support you decide on, so long as it meets an assessed need and that you are eligible for support under the Fair Access to Care criteria.
Who can I employ as a Personal Assistant?
You can employ just about anyone, except your husband, wife or partner who lives with you.
So, for example, you could employ your brother or sister who lives nearby. You could also employ a neighbour, or someone who helps you now.
You can also have help and advice with advertising for someone. That way you may be able to find someone who suits your lifestyle and is available at the times you want.
Do I have to deal with Tax?
No, not if you don’t want to. Your Direct Payment can include an amount to pay for a Payroll Service. The payroll service will deal with all the tax paperwork so you don’t have to worry about it.
If you would like to deal with everything yourself, you can have on-going advice and help from the Direct Payments Consultant, to help you set everything up and run it.
What if I change my mind?
You can always go back to having a service provided. Just ask your Care Manager or the Duty Officer in Social Services.
How do I find out more?
For City of London residents, please call:
Laura Luckhurst
Direct Payments Advisor
020 8698 3296
(Available Tuesdays and Wednesdays only)
Other visitors to this website, please contact the National Centre for Independent Living on 020 7587 1663 or visit their website at www.ncil.org.uk where you can find out about a Direct Payments Advice Service that serves your area.