We have added a number of useful links at the bottom of this page that may help you navigate this process.
Direct payments
If you, or the person you are looking after, have been assessed as needing social services support from your Local Authority, you may be offered a direct payment instead of receiving the support arranged directly by the Local Authority.
AtHome portal can be an ideal place for you to search for and engage a personal assistant if you receive a direct payment. Similarly, if you already know someone that you would like to support your family member, the AtHome portal is a great way to keep abreast of the support provided with rostering and paying your personal assistant directly.
What is a direct payment?
Direct Payments are commonly ongoing payments used to employ a care worker or personal assistant to help with day-to-day needs or for a period of respite care. These payments are instead of having those services provided directly by your Local Authority. An assessment needs to be carried out first and agreement reached on what can be funded.
How do I ask for a direct payment?
Before requesting a direct payment (or being offered one), you would first need to have an assessment from Your Local Authority. The assessment and the process will differ depending on if you are the carer or the person who receives care.
Assessments are usually carried out directly by the Local Authority.
If you, or the person you are looking after, are assessed as needing support, then the Local Authority will work out how much it would cost to provide such support (generally called a personal budget). This is then broken down into any amount you or the person you are looking after might have to pay (if anything) and any amount the Local Authority has to pay.
You can then choose to ask the Local Authority for a direct payment, or you can ask them to arrange the support themselves. A direct payment is the amount of money that the Local Authority has to pay to meet your needs or those of the person you are looking after. It is provided to enable you or them to purchase necessary services to help with your support needs and/or their care needs (as assessed by the Local Authority).
Sometimes, it is possible for the person you are looking after to pay you or another family member or friend to meet their needs. See Employing family members for further information.
Although most people will be given a direct payment if they ask for one, there are some categories of people who cannot get a direct payment, for example those under various orders or treatments for drug or alcohol dependence.
If the person being assessed does not have mental capacity or does have mental capacity but would be unable to manage a direct payment, someone can be appointed to manage the direct payment on their behalf.
If you or the person you are looking after already receive support from the local council or trust but would like to receive a direct payment instead, you can ask them to make this change.
The information available is constantly changing, so it is a good idea to research the latest information available via these established websites:
Apply for an assessment by Social Services.Gov website link
About PHB’s (Personal Healthcare Budgets)
Citizens Advice information on Direct Payments
Apply for Direct Payments (DP)
Alzheimer’s Association - information for care needs assessments