What are Direct Payments?
Direct Payments are an alternative to receiving part or all of your services from Social Services and Bradford District Care Trust after your social care needs have been assessed. They give you money to arrange your own services to meet these needs.
Why would I want Direct Payments?
Because Direct Payments allow you to take more control of the decisions that affect your life. They are intended to give you more independence, flexibility and choice -- you are the one who decides how your assessed needs are met, by whom and at what time.
Will I be able to receive Direct Payments?
Yes -- if services are recommended after an assessment by Social Services, you or your child can be considered for Direct Payments.
If I’m offered Direct Payments, can I refuse?
Yes, remember Direct Payments are an alternative to services provided by Social Services – the choice is yours!
What can I spend the money on?
The money is for you to use for arranging the services the Care Manager / Social Worker has assessed that you need. The Direct Payments Support Officer can confirm exactly what it can or can’t be spent on.
Will I receive enough money to meet my needs?
The amount of money you receive will be based on your assessed needs. The Direct Payments Support Officer can help you to budget the money, to make sure you can pay for the care you need.
Whom do I employ?
A “Personal Assistant” to help you with your assessed needs. There are certain conditions about whom you can employ but you can discuss this with the Direct Payments Support Officer.
You can also use Direct Payments to pay an agency to provide you with help to meet your assessed needs.
How do I get the money?
You need to set up a separate bank account for yourself, used only for Direct Payments. The Council pays the money straight into this account.
I’m concerned about becoming an employer
This is understandable. There’s a lot to set up at first, i.e. recruiting/advertising, job descriptions, contract of employment. You may also have to pay Income Tax & National Insurance contributions.
But there is help available!
As well as the Direct Payment Support Services there are support networks that will deal with any Tax & National Insurance contributions both by the employee and yourself. They will calculate the amounts, issue wage slips etc. There is a charge for this service but we allow for this in your Direct Payments so you won’t be out of pocket!
What if I decide to use an agency?
Then you won’t have the responsibilities of an employer -- instead you will just pay the agency directly by invoice.
Will I need to keep records of all this?
Yes, the money you receive is public money from the Council tax payer. You will have to keep a record of how you spend it.
Will I still be eligible for money from the Independent Living Fund?
If you meet the criteria of The Independent Living Fund, the money you receive from them won’t be affected by your Direct Payments.
Will I have to contribute anything?
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 the separate bank account, because this will be deducted from the Direct Payment you receive.
Children are not charged for services.
