How do you get a Direct Payment
How do you get a Direct Payment?
In April 2003 every local council has a duty to offer people who need help to stay in their own home money instead of arranging services for them. These direct payments will enable you to choose how you organise the help you need in a flexible way.
Direct payments are available where you would otherwise be offered directly provided services to help with housing, employment, education and leisure activities as well as for domestic and daily living tasks and personal assistance. Needs which are met in these ways are called ‘social' rather than ‘health' needs.
Your care co-ordinator must discuss this option with you when they meet with you to assess or review your care needs, or explain the reason if you are not able to receive direct payments. If you are already receiving services, you can ask your local direct payments support service or your care co-ordinator about direct payments.
Many people considering direct payments for the first time find it helpful to talk to people with experience of using direct payments. Your local council, care co-ordinator or direct payments support scheme should be able to put you in touch with other direct payment users.
Alternatively, having read the information available on this site you may still have many questions about direct payments. Do not worry. Direct payments are new to many people. Other sources of information are available - see our case study pages to read about other people's experiences, and see the 'Links' section on this site.
There is also a DVD available that tells the story of some people's experiences of using Direct Payments.
To request a copy of the DVD, or to share your story about using a direct payment, please email our office or call 01904 717260.
