You could also consider having someone else manage your direct payments, for example a friend or family member. If you are not confident about keeping records or managing the people who care for you, your local council should be able to provide support. you would rather the council arranged your care.you're worried about managing money or the people you employ.You may decide direct payments are not helpful if: Most councils will ask for evidence of how you've spent your money every 3 months. It's your choice as long as you're spending your personal budget on things that meet your agreed care plan. There are many ways you could choose to use the money. can help you get to shops or social events.are a specific person that has been recommended to you.have experience working with your care needs.are always the same people and available when you need them.The benefits of direct paymentsĭirect payments give you more flexibility over how your care and support is arranged and provided.įor example, you could choose to hire care workers or personal assistants who: Sometimes other organisations charge you extra money to arrange payments from the council.
The organisation you choose, such as your care provider, will speak to the council and arrange the payments. If your money is paid to another organisation They still need to check you're happy with the care they're arranging for you. They will arrange all your care and support based on your agreed care plan. The money in your personal budget will be spent for you by the council. This is often called a mixed package or "mix and match". For example, the council could arrange some of your care but send you the rest of the money. You can also choose a combination of these options. pay the money directly to you or someone you choose – this is known as a direct payment.pay the money to another organisation – such as a care provider.Choosing how to receive your personal budget If you're a carer, you may be entitled to receive a personal budget after having a carer's assessment to see what might help make your life easier.Ī carer's assessment is free and anyone over 18 can ask for one. how much you're able to afford yourself.The amount of money in your personal budget is decided by your local council after getting a needs assessment to work out: Your personal budget is the amount of money your local council will pay towards any social care and support you need. The money in your personal budget can be paid to you, to help you make more decisions about how it's spent. You can request an assessment from the council to establish your needs. You'll be given a personal budget to spend if your local council decide you're eligible for help with any social care and support you need.