Page updated 09.06.08
Direct Payments
A Direct Payment is money given to you by social services to buy the care and support you need instead of receiving services that are arranged for you. This can give you more choice and control. For example, with a Direct Payment you can employ the person or agency you choose, decide on the hours your staff work and the things you need them to do to support you. The important things to remember are:
You must have been assessed by a social worker and meet the rules for getting community care services
A Direct Payment is for you to pay for support instead of receiving services
You can use a Direct Payment for all or just some of your support
Anyone who is over 16 and has a disability or illness, is a carer or is a parent of a disabled child can ask for a Direct Payment
A Direct Payment can be used to pay for any of these things if the assessment shows you need them:
- Personal care
- A personal assistant to support you
- Doing things during the day
- Respite care
- Equipment
Right Track are working to give people information about Direct Payments. We have been looking at the information that is already available and asking people what else they need to help them make a choice about Direct Payments. We will be adding much more information soon.
Want to know more?
We can come to your home, club or service to give a short information session about Direct Payments and how to find out more. We are also going to be running workshops where you can do different activities and get more information. Please Contact Us if you want to know more.
You can find out more about Direct Payments in Bedfordshire by clicking here
or in Luton by clicking here
Direct Payments Support Service
The Disability Resource Centre (DRC) provide independent support services to:
- Help you plan how you will manage a Direct Payment
- Support you with the paperwork
- Give you information on all the things you need to think about if you are employing someone
- Give you other useful information and contacts
Disability Resource Centre. Poynters House. Poynters Road. Dunstable. LU5 4TP
Tel:- 01582 470968