Community Care Services

Direct Payments

What are direct payments?

Direct payments are cash payments local authorities make to people who are eligible for services. They help people buy the support they have assessed as needing instead of Adult and Community Services arranging it for them.

Who can have direct payments?

You may be eligible for direct payments if you are 16 or over and have been assessed by Adult and Community Services as needing a service. Direct payments are available to:

Elderly people
Disabled people aged 16 or over
Parents or people with parental responsibilities for young children with disabilities
People with a physical or learning disability, or sight or hearing difficulty
People living with HIV
Carers who need a break from time to time; and
People with mental-health problems

What can I use direct payments for?

You can use direct payments to pay for any community care service that would be arranged by Adult and Community Services. These could include:

Personal care, for example, help with washing and dressing
Practical help, for example, shopping and cleaning
Respite care (where carers can have a break); and
Day care

You can also apply for equipment.

Why would I want direct payments?

Direct payments give you flexibility and choice, allowing you to choose who provides you with the care that you have been assessed as needing. Many people in the borough are already using direct payments and say they give them more independence, greater choice and greater control of their lives.

Will I be given any support with my direct payment?

The Direct Payments team can provide you with advice and support, which will include helping you to advertise for someone to work with you. This person is often called a personal assistant. They will also help you manage your direct payment.

How do I find out more about direct payments?

Your social worker or care manager will tell you more about the scheme. If you do not have a social worker or care manager, you can contact the Adult Intake and Access Team at Adult and Community Services to ask for a care assessment.

A social worker will then visit you and assess what your needs are. You can then discuss the possibility of using direct payments.

The Direct Payments team can offer you advice about the scheme, tell you more about what it involves and tell you what your responsibilities will be. You can telephone them on 020 8227 5410.

Don't worry if you still have any questions about direct payments - there is a lot of support, advice and information available to you. You can contact: