Direct Payments

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Direct Payments

These pages are different to those in the printed directory. This is because more information and support is available now.

What Are Direct Payments?

Direct payments are a way you can choose and control the support you need. Direct payments is money given to you by social services to pay for your own care.

Direct payments were set up by the Government in The Community Care (Direct Payments) Act 1996. This allows local authorities to make direct payments to people who have been assessed as needing community care services.

Also, The Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000 allows local authorities to make payments to people responsible for disabled children.

Having direct payments means you have more choice and control over your life.

• You choose who gives you support.
• You choose when you get support.

Direct payments are for:

• People who are 18 and over
• People who are disabled and who have been assessed as needing services.
• Parents of disabled children, to get services for their children.
• Anyone willing to have a direct payment and who is able to manage the payment with or without support.

Direct payments are not extra benefits. They do not affect other benefits you get.

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Next:

• How Can I Use A Direct Payment

See also:

• How To Get A Direct Payment
• Read an interview with Chris Passey, who uses Direct payments: Direct Payments Interview
• Advice And Support In Getting And Using Direct Payments
• The Leeds Direct Payments Support Service