A direct payment is money paid directly to you to arrange and purchase your own care, based on your assessed care and support needs, rather than the Council providing it for you. This allows you to have more choice and control over how your care needs are met.
You can only use direct payments on things that have been agreed in your care and support plan following an assessment. This might include support from a care agency of your choice, or employing a personal assistant directly to help you, which can include a family member, or other support services and equipment.
Direct payments can be managed by you, or by a third party such as a family member or friend.
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The most common ways direct payments can be used are:
1) Decision to take a direct payment
The Council will assess your care and support needs to determine if you are eligible. If so, it will calculate how much money is required to meet your needs. You can then decide whether to take a direct payment or receive services organised by the Council.
2) Confirm how you wish to use your direct payment
You can use a care agency of your choice, use a service in the community, or employ your own personal assistant, which can include a member of your family or a friend. You can also decide if you want someone else to manage the money on your behalf.
3) Documentation
We will help you to complete forms such as a direct payment agreement and prepaid card form and depending on how you choose to use your direct payment, any necessary employment documents. We will support you at every stage to enable a smooth process.
4) Receiving your money
Payments are made into your direct payment account by the Council every four weeks. The payments can be paid into:
Please remember you will be financially assessed to see if you are required to contribute towards the cost of your direct payment. If so, you will be required to pay into the direct payment account.
5) Reviewing your direct payment
The Council will support you regularly to make sure you are managing your direct payment appropriately and that you are still happy with the arrangements. A care manager will complete an initial review at three months and a full review of your care and support needs every 12 months.
Are you eligible for a personal budget and direct payments? The first step is to request a community care assessment from your local council.
Download the policy here
If you would like more information about direct payments, please contact your local Social Services on:
Westminster
Tel: 020 7641 1444 or 020 7641 1175
Email adultsocialcare@westminster.gov.uk
Kensington and Chelsea
Tel: 020 7361 3013
Email socialservices@rbkc.gov.uk
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