Direct Payments are ‘cash’ payments for people who have been assessed as eligible for a Personal Budget from either education, health or social care, and who would like to arrange and pay for their own support services instead of receiving them directly from the local council.
Direct Payments aim to empower children, young people and their families by increasing choice, independence and control over the way that support is delivered.
Direct Payments can be used in innovative ways in order to meet assessed needs. This could mean things such as employing your own personal assistants, arranging support with holidays or accessing activities. By having your support paid in cash a direct payment provides increased flexibility, allowing families to choose when support is provided to them.
Who are our services for?
Disabled children and young people aged 0-25 years old who have been assessed as being eligible for a Personal Budget, whose needs are substantial, and who require support in excess of the core offer.
How is our service accessed?
For children and young people eligible to receive a social care service a direct payment may be made to:
- Those with parental responsibility for disabled children/young people
- Over 16 year old disabled young people
- Carers aged 16 and 17 in place of carer’s services
- An appointed suitable person
Who to contact
Telephone: 0115 8763500
