Taking Control of the Money

Ways to manage an Individual Budget

How do you take control of your Individual Budget (the money)?

There are several different options that you can choose to manage your money:

• You can take the money as a Direct Payment
• The money can be paid as a Direct Payment to another person acting on your behalf
• The money can be paid direct to a Service Provider and you will agree with them how the money is to be spent. This is called an 'Individual Service Fund'
• The money can be held as an 'account' by the authority, and you can decide how it is spent. This is called a 'Local Authority Account'
• Any combination of the above options

If you aren't able to decide how to spend the money and do not know anyone who can help, a Care Manager will help you.

What are the differences between the ways the money can be taken?

Direct Payment

Minimum restrictions, maximum flexibility – the money can be spent on anything legal that meets your needs.

Individual Service Fund

Flexibility is limited to what the provider can offer, but this should be much more flexible than traditional services.

Local Authority Account

Money can only be spent on registered services, but with choice for you about what to spend the money on and when.

The Local Authority is currently exploring the option of individuals being able to have their money paid to a local organisation so that they can manage it on your behalf and even help organise your support.