What are Direct Payments?
Ref: 028/04/08
Direct Payments are a cash payment made in lieu of traditional Social Services provisions. These are paid to an individual who has been assessed by Social Services as needing social care, or to a person appointed to act on your behalf. Individuals choose how they spend their Direct Payment and therefore, have more control over how their needs are met, have more flexibility, and choice.
Who can get a Direct Payment?
Anyone age 16 or over, parents of disabled children up to 18 years old, and carers aged 16 and over. All carers must have a carers assessment to be eligible.
What can I buy with my Direct Payment?
If you qualify for Social Services under our eligibility criteria, Direct Payments can be used to meet your care needs.
Below are examples of ways you may like to use your Direct Payments:
- Personal tasks such as getting up, eating, washing and dressing. You can employ someone of your choice to help you rather than use a Homecare agency.
- Domestic tasks such as cooking, housework, shopping and laundry. You can employ someone or use a home shopping service from a supermarket or your local launderette laundry service. The choice is yours.
- Practical assistance such as help getting out and about. You can choose what you do and when you want to do it rather than having a set time from a Homecare agency with no flexibility.
- Buying equipment to help you live safely in your home.
- Respite care to give you and your carer a break. Where and how you take the break will be your choice.
- Activities during the day to help you pursue educational or leisure interests.
What can Direct Payments not be used for?
They cannot be used for long term health care needs, residential care or major adaptations to your home.
What are the differences between an Individual Budget and a Direct Payment?
An Individual Budget is the amount of money that an individual is entitled to if they qualify for Social Services support. The Individual Budget can be taken or used in a variety of ways. A Direct Payment is just one of these ways and is the name purely given to the mechanism for paying the money directly to someone. See our factsheet on Self Directed Support and Individualised Budgets.
Can I employ relatives to provide my support?
Yes, but if they live with you, your Care Manager needs to be satisfied that this is the best way of meeting your support needs.
What if I become unable to manage my Direct Payment?
The Council maintains a duty to meet your assessed needs. Your Care Manager will ensure your support needs are met in the way you would like them to be.
Can I mix services provided by the Council and Direct Payments?
Yes. You can fund services via a Direct Payment and still receive other services from the Council.
What happens if I become eligible for Continuing Care?
Direct Payments are given to pay for your social care needs by Adult and Community Services. For some people, health needs will increase and you may need more help from Health and Social Services. If your health needs are very high, then the NHS may pay for all of your care. This is called ‘fully funded NHS Continuing Care.’ In these circumstances your Direct Payment will stop. The NHS will discuss with you what services will be available and there would be no charge for these services.
Do I have any extra responsibilities if I receive a Direct Payment?
You will have to keep simple accounts and give financial returns / receipts twice a year to the Council. You must also open a separate bank account if your Direct Payment is not a one off payment. You will have to act within the law i.e. employ people legally, pay their tax and insurance and keep the working environment safe. Any excess funds must be returned to the Council.
It is recommended that a Criminal Record Bureau check is undertaken on people you wish to employ to provide care services. The Council will do this on your behalf.
What help is available if I want to receive a Direct Payment?
In order to meet these responsibilities, you will be given support and advice from your Care Manager and Richmond Users of Independent Living Schemes (RUILS). RUILS are a local disability organisation who provide advice, guidance and support. They can also help you find a Personal Assistant. They can be contacted on 020 8831 6083/4.
For further information contact Adult and Community Services:
Tel: 020 8891 7971
Text: 07800 002439
Minicom: 020 8831 6001
