Direct Payments

Not everyone knows that if they, their parents or other loved ones are receiving care services wholly or partly funded by your Local Authority then they can still play an active part in managing the quality and scope of these services?

This can be achieved by accessing Direct Payments, which are designed to give service users the highest level of control, choice and flexibility around how their care needs are delivered.

Under the Direct Payments Scheme, many adults and disabled children over the age of 16 can choose to receive cash payments in lieu of the services that their Local Authority would otherwise arrange.

Choosing to access these payments in place of social care services means that people have greater choice and control over their lives, and are able to make their own decisions regarding their care. Service users can therefore determine how their care is delivered, by whom and at what times. Direct Payments can also allow service users to change their care arrangements should they ever become dissatisfied with the quality of services they receive.

People wishing to join the Direct Payments Scheme will first be required to meet with their County Council to check that they qualify. They must then be willing to go on the scheme and be able to manage it in line with County Council requirements. This is often an area where a family member or friend chooses to help and stay actively involved in the care arrangements.Carewatch specialise in dealing with people accessing Direct Payment's and charge slightly less than the full Direct Payment rate payable, so persons entitled to the full DP rate should never be out of pocket if they choose to engage Carewatch.

For more information, download our Direct Payments fact sheet »