Direct Payments

Do you need support from Social Care Services?

Would you like to be in control of your own life and the services you receive?

Yes?  Read on....

What are direct payments?

A direct payment is money Social Services can give you.  It is a new way of getting the support you need.  Cash payments can be given direct to individuals to arrange their own care instead of social services organising it... giving individuals more CHOICE AND CONTROL over the care they need.

What are direct payments for?

A direct payment is money given to people to spend on getting support that meets their specific needs.  This gives people more choice, control and flexibility over the way their needs are met.

Who can get direct payments?

Direct payments are available to anyone who is assessed as requiring community care support.

This includes older people, people with a disability, carers and a person with parental responsibility for a child with a disability.  It is available to those who would like more choice and independence and are able to manage the payments.  People can get help to manage the payments.

Am I automatically entitled to direct payments?

To be considered for direct payments you have to have an assessment of need in the same way as other community care services.  These assessments are normally carried out by a care manager or an occupational therapist for example.  However, if you apply for a Transport Related Direct Payment (previously called Concessionary Fares Direct Payment), your assessment can be done using a Well Being Assessment Form.  This is a type of self assessment and can be downloaded. 

How much money will I get?

This depends on an assessment of how much and what type of assistance you need.  This is usually set out in your care plan as a number of hours per week of essential support.

If you are assessed to pay a contribution towards a service that is provided by Social Services, this will be the same whether the service is arranged for you or whether you choose direct payments.

Support is available to help you manage your direct payments.

Want to know more?

If you would like to know more please contact:

The Direct Payments Team. Tel: 01628 683591. Email: directpayments@rbwm.gov.uk

Alternatively, complete the Well Being Self Assessment form for Transport Related Direct Payments. 

If you think you, or someone in your family might benefit from any service provided by Social Services and you would like us to contact you by phone or email, please click the following link and complete the Social Services Contact Us/Self Referral Online Form and someone will be in touch with you as soon as possible.

Social Services.  Tel: 01628 683744.  Email: access.services@rbwm.gov.uk.