| Direct Payments |
What are Direct Payments?
Direct Payments are sums of money that we give you instead of providing you with a service, such as home care; short-term breaks; day care; equipment and small adaptations. With Direct Payments you can arrange your own assistance so that you may have more choice and control over the way you live your life. If we give you Direct Payments you must use it to meet the needs that we have agreed with you during your assessment. | |
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Who can receive Direct Payments?
Anyone who is eligible for a service from their local authority can receive a direct payment - older people; 16-17 year olds; carers; adults and children with disabilities.
You may receive a direct payment whatever the nature of your impairment, including:
- sensory impairment;
- learning difficulty;
- physical disabilities;
- mental health needs;
- chronic illness; or
- HIV/AIDS.
There are a few restrictions, for example, people subject to certain court orders.
We will check that you consent to, and manage, a direct payment either alone, or with assistance if necessary.
Support is available to help you manage your direct payments. |
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What can Direct Payments be used for?
The payments can only be used for the needs that we have agreed with you, this could be, for example, for equipment and small adaptations, home care or day care. You can employ a personal assistant or use an independent care agency. |
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What can't Direct Payments be used for?
- You cannot usually use direct payments to employ a partner or close family member who lives with you;
- NHS services;
- Housing services
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What records need to be kept?
You will need to keep financial records and a separate bank account. Support is available to help you manage this. |
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What support is available?
Support is provided by an organisation called the Rowan Organisation who can help with all aspects of Direct Payments.
Their contact details are:
The Rowan Organisation
Eliot Park Innovation Centre
Barling Way
Nuneaton
CV10 7RH
Tel: 02476 322 860
Minicom: 02476 374 439
Fax: 02476 374 948
See their website www.therowan.org |
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How do you get Direct Payments?
Contact the Rowan Organisation as above or:
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