Direct Payments for Care Services

What is a direct payment?

A direct payment is money paid by the Council directly to someone assessed as needing community care services. This money can then be used to purchase care services.

Direct payments give you more choice and control.

You decide how, when, and who provides your care.

Who can receive direct payments?

• Disabled people aged 16+
• Parents of a child with disabilities
• Disabled people with parental responsibility
• Disabled people aged 16+ to purchase housing support services.
• Attorneys and guardians, with the relevant powers on behalf of disabled people who are unable to give consent

Direct payments can be used to:

• Employ a carer/personal assistant
• Purchase services from an independent agency or the Council
• Purchase housing support services
• Purchase short breaks or respite care (under certain circumstances)
• Purchase equipment and adaptations (within agreed limits)

Direct payments can only be used to purchase services stated in your care plan. The Council will explain how the money can be spent.

Direct payments can only be used for services arranged by the Council and not for services directly provided by the NHS.

Direct payments cannot be used to pay a spouse, partner or close relative. In exceptional circumstances the council may consider allowing you to pay a close relative who does not live in your household.

Direct payments do not affect Social Security benefits and are not taxable.

What do I do next?

If you are already receiving services arranged by the Council, contact your social worker or care manager and tell them you are interested in direct payments.

To be considered for direct payments, your needs must be assessed by a social worker or care manager. Contact your local social work office and ask for an assessment. Someone will visit you to talk about the kind of help you think you need. Tell them that you are interested in direct payments.

Your social worker / care manager will then refer you to us (Borders Direct Payment Agency).

Borders Direct Payment Agency

We offer a free support service for anyone wishing to use direct payments and will arrange to meet with you. We can tell you everything you need to know about direct payments which will help you to decide whether a direct payment is right for you. These are some of the points you will need to consider:

• What your direct payment can be spent on
• The amount of money you will receive
• How much money you will be expected to contribute
• When and how payments will be made
• Circumstances in which the Council would seek repayment

If you decide to go ahead you or your power of attorney will:

• Sign a service agreement between yourself and the Council (Lifelong Care - Social Work).
• Open a separate bank account
• Make your direct payment bank statements and other documents available to us

By accepting direct payments you take responsibility for managing the money and arranging your care services. You are entitled to as much help as you need to manage the payments.

What about direct payments and free personal care?

You may be eligible for free personal care if you:

• Are 65 and over and have been assessed by Lifelong Care - Social Work as requiring personal care services
• Already employ a carer or use a care agency privately

Contact your local social work office and ask for a community care assessment. More information is also available in a leaflet 'Information on Free Personal Care for people living at home' available from your local social work office.

Want to know more?

Contact us for more information at:

Borders Direct Payment Agency
Anderson's Chambers
Market Street
Galashiels
TD1 3AF
Tel/Fax: 01896 759700
Email: borders.directpayment@virgin.net
Web site: www.bordersdpa.org.uk

Office Hours: Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 3.00pm