About the money you receive

Will I have to pay towards my care myself?

For most services provided by Social Services you are asked to complete a Financial Assessment Form. We use the information in this form to work out if you have to contribute to the cost of these services, and if you do, how much. Some people have to pay a contribution, other people will not have to pay at all. The amount you receive in Direct Payments is assessed in the same way. So we will find out how much money you need, then work out whether you have to contribute towards this.

Will receiving Direct Payments affect my benefits or state pension?

No. Direct Payments are not counted as income when your benefits or pension are assessed.

Will I have to pay tax on the Direct Payment?

No. Direct Payments are not liable to income tax because they can only be used to pay for your care needs.

Is there a limit to how much money I can get?

There is no upper limit to how much we can spend to meet your needs. But we pay you an amount based on how much we think a service should cost – not how much you want to pay for that service.

How do you pay the money to me?

If you will be receiving regular Direct Payments you need to keep a separate bank or building society account specially for your direct payments money. If you are receiving a one-off payment we can usually make payment to you without you needing to have a separate bank account.