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Direct Payments

Direct payments empower you to choose and buy the care and support services you need yourself, rather than us choosing them for you. If you have been assessed as being eligible for social care support, direct payments may be the right choice for you, giving you more independence, choice, and flexibility over who provides your care and support services.

The payments make up all or part of your personal budget and are paid directly to you or someone else on your behalf.

Using a Direct Payment

Many people who use direct payments chose to employ Personal Assistants who support with daily living tasks or taking part in social activities. This could involve help with personal care or accessing activities in your community.

People may also choose to purchase services from an agency of their choice. It is possible to have a mixed package of care using both Personal Assistants and/or an agency or combining both direct payments with other Adult Social Care services to meet your needs. If you’re looking to employ a Personal Assistant, we have a list of people who are looking to work with those who receive direct payments. Please ask your allocated worker for more information.
 

Who can access

Direct payments can only be used if you’ve been assessed as being eligible for care and support services and can be used by:
 

  • Disabled people aged 18 or over (with short or long-term needs).
  • Carers aged 18 or over (including people with parental responsibility for a disabled child).
  • Older adults who need community care services.
  • People aged 18 or over with mental health conditions.


For more information on using a direct payment through Children’s Services please contact 0161 371 2060.
 

Types of accounts

If it is agreed with us that you will benefit from receiving a direct payment, there are two types of accounts you can use.

Each type has a different level of responsibility, and this can be discussed with your Social Worker, Assessor or with the Direct Payment Team to find out which is best for you.

Managed Accounts use a payroll company to support you to manage your direct payment. If you’re eligible for this account, we pay the funds into the Managed Account instead of your own direct payment bank account.

All payments such as Personal Assistant wages or agency invoices are made on your behalf by the payroll company. They also provide the financial information when it is needed for monitoring purposes.

This would be a good option if:

  • You would struggle with the day-to-day aspects of managing your direct payment and Personal Assistants.
  • Keeping track of how your direct payment is spent.
  • You do not have someone who can manage your direct payment account of your behalf.

 

Standard Accounts pay the direct payment into a dedicated bank account that you have opened. This means you are responsible for paying Personal Assistants and any other invoices, cheques, standing orders or direct debits relating to the management of the direct payments.

You are also accountable for all spending and making sure the right documents are submitted to us regularly.

This would be a good option if:

  • You want more control, choice, and responsibility over the direct payment.
  • You can deal with the management of Personal Assistants, agencies and other services to make sure they are paid on time.
  • You can keep track of how your direct payment is being spent.
 

What a Direct Payment is not for

A direct payment cannot be used to fund:

  • Long-term residential care.
  • Short-term residential care of more than 4 weeks, periods of short-term care less than 4 weeks will be combined for this purpose and may add to the total period.
  • Employing a family member living in the same household as you but this may be agreed in exceptional circumstances or to provide administrative support for the direct payment. · Anything that does not achieve an eligible outcome within your Support Plan.
  • Any personal contributions resulting from a financial assessment such as co-funding, tele-care charges, mileage, contributions to Disabled Facilities Grant or client contribution for short term care in a residential home.
  • Personal daily living costs such as purchasing food, clothing, employing a cleaner, debt repayment, gambling, or any other illegal purposes.
 

Become a Personal Assistant

Being a Personal Assistant is a rewarding and fulfilling role, we are always looking for new Personal Assistants to join us, some benefits include:

  • The opportunity to support vulnerable adults to make a positive impact on their lifestyles.
  • Potential to work flexibly and cover shifts if needed.
  • Pension scheme.
  • Competitive wage.


If you think have the skills, knowledge or experience to support someone with a direct payment, please complete our online availability form.

If you would prefer to complete the form on paper, please contact our Direct Payment Team.
 

Contact The Direct Payment Team

The Direct Payment Team can help you by giving you more information, guidance, and support on managing your care and support through direct payments.

0161 342 5959 directpaymentssectionmail@tameside.gov.uk