A direct payment can be made for people are eligible to arrange their own care which receive community care services.
Direct payments offer more choice and control over the provision of care.
The individual can work with the local authority to decide who provides that support and control how it is delivered.
Direct payments are used to buy services to meet assessed needs, as described in a care plan.
A personal assistant is employed directly by the individual, so they know who will be providing the care, they can choose what they do and when.
Unpaid carers may also be able to receive direct payments for respite and to support their caring role.
Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, a ‘suitable person’ may be appointed to receive direct payment on an individual’s behalf.
The suitable person must be willing and capable of managing direct payments. They must also understand their responsibilities for deciding to obtain care and support.
You can be flexible about how you spend your direct payment, however what you buy must meet your assessed social care needs.
Your financial circumstances will be assessed to see if you have to pay towards your care needs.
Why choose direct payments?
Direct payments offer you more choice and control in the way you arrange your care.
You could:
- choose to be an employer, your employees will know how you want your care delivered
- arrange to purchase support directly from a care agency
- get financial assistance towards buying specialised equipment not supplied by the council
- have more flexibility about when you need support provided
Direct payments and benefits
- direct payments do not affect entitlement to benefits or tax liability
- direct payments are not income but a cash substitute with which to purchase services
- people employed by the service user under the direct payment scheme are liable to pay tax and National Insurance
- earnings may affect benefits
Support
The council’s direct payments team can provide practical support and guidance to help you get things started.
You can receive assistance with:
- setting up a payroll service
- arranging Employer’s Liability Insurance
- recruiting staff
- meeting the duties and obligations of a responsible employer
How to get a direct payment
The first step is an assessment of your care needs by social services.
Newport City Council provides social care help for people based on an assessment of needs, usually done at a meeting or by phone.
To find out more telephone 01633 656656 or email [email protected]