Direct Payments
What are Direct Payments?
Direct Payments are a different way of getting the support you need.
Instead of getting services provided and/or arranged by the Council, you can be given the money to buy the care you need and choose the kind of support that is right for you. Direct Payments allow you to take more control of the decisions that affect your life.
It is intended to give you independence, flexibility and choice in deciding how your assessed needs are met, by whom and at what time.
The money allocated is for you to use for arranging the services that you need. Support Options staff will confirm exactly what it can or can’t be spent on and also help you to budget the money, to make sure you can pay for the care you need.
Who are Direct Payments for?
If you are eligible for support from The Department of Adult and Community Services, Services for Children, Young People and Families or Health Care Services and you are willing and able to manage your own services either alone or with support, Direct Payments may be for you.
How do I get Direct Payments?
Speak to your Social Worker/Community Care Officer/Health Care Professional when you discuss your care needs with them. Tell them that you are interested in Direct Payments.
Is there a charge?
We do have a charging policy for people who receive Home Care and Day Care services – how much you contribute will depend on your income. You will need to pay your calculated contribution into a separate bank account, because this will be deducted from the Direct Payment you receive.
As well as the Direct Payment Support Services there are support networks that will deal with any tax and National Insurance contributions both by the employee and you.
I’d like to find out more, who can I talk to?
The Support Options Team is part of Adult and Community Services
You can contact them on:
Telephone: 01274 434191
Email: support-options@bradford.gov.uk or DP@bradford.gov.uk
They are available:
- Monday to Thursday: 8.30 am – 5.00 pm
- Friday:8.30 am – 4.30 pm
They are based at:
Olicana House
Chapel Street
Bradford
BD1 5RE
