Paying for short breaks
Once your assessment is complete and your family becomes eligible for a funded short break, there are two forms this funding could take:
- A commissioned package of care
This is when the Council funds and arranges a range of services to meet the needs on your behalf. This funding, along with a provider’s own fundraising, pays for services and activities for disabled children and young people.
Depending on your family’s circumstances and your choice of provision, you might have to make a means-tested contribution to the cost of the service. You will be made aware of your options and any charges or contributions when deciding about the package that is right for your family. Your social worker will then complete a referral which will be shared with the Placement Hub. This is a team of Placement Officers who are a single point of contact between social workers and providers. A Placement Officer will work with your social worker to progress the referral to your chosen provider. Once this is accepted, the Council will set up payments directly with your provider on your behalf.
- A Direct Payment
Direct Payments are a cash value based on the amount agreed in your personal budget. These payments are designed for you to arrange and pay for the support you want, instead of the Council arranging services for you. Your Direct Payment will be paid to you on a prepaid card if it is a regular payment or into a bank account for oneoff payments.
Direct Payments offer flexibility, choice and control. Your social worker will make sure you understand what it involves. This means ensuring that your use of Direct Payment is legal, meets your family’s outcomes and keeps you and your child safe and well. You can also get the support of a Direct Payment provider to help manage your funds and meet your legal obligations.
Some families use a mix of commissioned packages and Direct Payments to build up the support they need. Whatever way your short break is funded, your social worker will regularly review your support plan. If your situation changes and you feel you are getting too much, not enough or not the right support, then please speak to your social work team as soon as possible.
Please visit our Direct Payments webpage for more information.