Direct payments

If you are eligible to receive, or you already receive, community care services, you can choose to pay for these services directly using money paid to you by us.

What are the advantages of Direct Payments?

• Choice

• Independence

• Flexibility

• Control

• Creativity

You decide who provides you with care and support and how and when you receive your care.

I’m interested! What happens next?

• If you want to talk to someone about what’s involved, you should call the Direct Payments Officer on: 0118 974 6809

• If you want to go ahead, you then need to talk to your care manager or call Community Services Duty Team on: 0118 974 6800

• We will help with setting up a direct payment, provide information and advice and ongoing support

We will regularly review with you how well this is going. You may choose to stop a Direct Payment at any time. 

What can I use Direct Payments for?

The money is for you to arrange the services, including equipment, which will meet your care and support needs, as assessed by Community Care Services staff.

You may wish to employ someone directly or arrange for your care to be provided by an agency.

What can’t I use Direct Payments for?

You may not use Direct Payments to pay a spouse, partner or close relative living in the same household for the care they provide, unless that person is someone who you have specifically recruited to be a live-in employee, other than in exceptional circumstances, which we may agree with you.

You cannot use Direct Payments to pay for permanent residential accommodation.

How much money will I get?

The Community Care staff talk to you about what support and assistance you may require in your everyday life. This is called 'an assessment'.

Following the assessment of the amount of support you need, we will then calculate how much money you will receive as your Direct Payment.

Do I need to make a contribution?

Most Community Care Services are subject to a financial assessment. This means that our staff will discuss your financial circumstances with you and make sure you receive all the benefits you may be entitled to. As part of this, you may be assessed to make a contribution towards paying for your support and assistance.

Can I get a Direct Payment?

You can receive a Direct Payment, if: 

• You are eligible to receive community care services

• You are willing and able to manage your own care and support as well as your finances - we will give you help and support with all the arrangements

This contribution is the same whether we arrange the services for you or whether you receive a Direct Payment.

How will the Direct Payment be paid?

The money will be paid to you monthly into a bank account of your choice which you have to set up specifically for your Direct Payment.

Where can I get more information from?

For more information call the Direct Payments Officer on: 0118 974 6809.