1) What is a direct payment?

Direct payments are money payments paid to you by Adult Social Care to pay for your care and support. They are an easy and convenient way of receiving your personal budget. Personal budget is the amount of money you have been assessed to receive for your care and support.

2) What is the difference between direct payments and a personal budget?

A personal budget is allocated to you by Adult Social Care for all your care needs. You can choose to receive all or part of your personal budget as a direct payment.

3) I am a care worker. Can I receive a direct payment?

Yes. You can receive a direct payment to support you in your caring role. Life Outside of Caring grant can be paid to you via a direct payment.

4) How can I start receiving direct payments?

If you are currently receiving support from Adult Social Care and would like to receive direct payments then please speak to your social care worker or get in touch with the Front Door Duty team on 020 7974 4444. If you currently do not receive any support from Adult Social Care, but think you may need it, then please get in touch with the Adult Social Care Front Door Duty Team and ask to receive a care assessment.

5) How will direct payments benefit my life?

Having direct payments helps you to stay in control of who supports you, how they support you and when. People who use direct payments enjoy the choice that direct payments can bring, and frequently comment on how they have gained greater self-esteem, confidence, and control over how they live their lives. You do not have to take full control straight away. Some people choose to manage a small amount of the money to start with, then see the advantages and want to take more control.

6) What can I spend the money on?

You can use direct payments to pay for any care or support that would normally be arranged by Adult Social Care to buy services of your choice. This can include:

• day care services
• personal assistance, for example help with washing and dressing
• respite (so that carers can have a break)

What Matters September 2019 Direct Payments Adult Social Care equipment

You can spend your direct payment on services you choose as long as they:

• meet the outcomes you agreed with your health or social care worker in your support plan
• are legal
• are affordable within your personal budget - although you could also top up your direct payments with your personal funds.

7) Can I employ a family member to support me?

Yes. You can employ a family member or a friend to support you as long as the person does not live in the same house (unless exceptional circumstances apply).

8) Can I employ my care worker directly and not via a care agency?

You need to advise your care worker to discuss this with the care agency he/she is currently employed by to ensure there are no restrictions in his/her contract. If you are looking to employ a care worker or personal assistant directly you can use the Camden PAs website to search PA profiles or post your own job advertisement.

9) How do I manage my direct payments?

You will need to keep simple records about how you have used your direct payments. We will tell you what the arrangements for monitoring your direct payments will be. But you do not have to do it on your own and we will provide you with all the advice, information and support you need to make direct payments work well for you. There are two ways you can manage your payments:

1. Prepaid card

2. Managed payroll

If you are unable to use either of the above (with support if necessary), you can choose to open a separate bank account.

10) Can I ask someone to manage my direct payments on my behalf?

Yes. You can nominate a third party to help you manage your direct payments. In cases where a person has no capacity to make decisions a suitable person can be nominated to receive a direct payment on their behalf. A payroll service can be used in combination with the above to help you keep track of your payments.

11) Can I get support with using my direct payments?

Yes. People Plus Group will help you through each stage of the process including:

• advice and guidance about direct payments
• support to recruit your own personal assistant, and support to help you to manage the direct payment yourself

12) Will I have to contribute anything towards my own care?

You might have to contribute toward the cost of your care and support. The exact amount will depend on your income and savings, but it will be the same amount as you would be charged for services had Adult Social Care provided them for you.

13) What happens if I start having direct payments and find they do not work for me?

Direct Payments are meant to be flexible, so speak to People Plus to see if there are changes you want to make. If you no longer wish to receive a direct payment simply tell us you no longer wish to have direct payments and we will discuss alternative care options with you.

14) Will having a direct payment affect my welfare benefits?

Direct payments are a substitute for Council arranged services. They are not a benefit and they will not affect your other benefits or pension.

15) How do I find out more about direct payments?

There are several ways you can speak to someone to find out more about direct payments and whether they would suit you.

Your health or social care worker can tell you more about direct payments.

Contact People Plus on 0330 123 2815  

 

You can also contact the Direct Payments Team on 0207 974 1899 or email [email protected]