Independent Living: Your Right-Your Choice
What are Direct Payments?
Why Direct Payments?
Who are Direct Payments for?
How can I use Direct Payments?
How are my payments calculated
What are my responsibilities?
What do I do if I want to know more or would like Direct Payments?
The Direct Payments Team
To obtain an assessment of your neeeds
Independent living does not mean living by yourself, or doing everything for yourself. Rather, it refers to being able to make your own choices in how and where to live, with whatever support you need to do this. It means having choice and control in everyday life.
Direct Payments are money we will give you to meet any eligible needs we agree you have instead of providing or arranging services for you.
They give you choice over how, when and by whom your needs are met.
You gain choice over who you employ (or which provider you use).
You gain choice about the time when you receive your service.
This enables you to be in choice of your life.
You, if:
- you have been assessed by us as needing a service
- agree to receive Direct Payments instead of some or all of the services that we would otherwise have given you and
- you are able to deal with Direct Payments and run your services (you can use other people to help you manage your Direct Payments)
You are likely to be:
- a disabled adult
- an older person
- a parent of a disabled child who is under 16
- a disabled child or person aged 16 or 17
- a disabled person caring for a child
- a carer aged 16 or over of a disabled person aged 18 or over
Depending on your needs (or the needs of your child if you are a parent) you can
- employ your own staff (we call these people personal assistants)
- use an agency or other service provider
- buy short term breaks or
- buy equipment
You can have Direct Payments for some of your needs and still use our services for other needs. We call this 'mix and match'.
You cannot employ a close relative who lives with you but you can use one who does not.
You cannot buy the help you need from any local authority,
You are not allowed to pay for permanent residential care but you can use Direct Payements for short breaks (whether in residential accommodation or otherwise).
You must use the money to meet your agreed needs.
We will provide Direct Payments to meet the costs of your assessed needs including - if appropriate - enough to cover costs you incur as an employer. The actual amount payable will depend on your individual assessed needs.
If you decide to receive Direct Payments you will need a separate bank account for the money you receive from us by credit transfer.
You will have full responsibility for the employment of personal assistants, if you chose to have them.
You will have to pay the bills of any agency or service provider you use.
You will need to keep simple records and give us information when we need it.
We will support you with these responsibilities.
You can contact your social worker or care manager.
Or contact our Direct Payments Team
Tel: 01202 456830
Email: direct.payments@bournemouth.gov.uk
Or send us your details and we'll be in touch shortly.
Contact Bournemouth Care Direct
Tel: 01202 454979
Minicom: 01202 454974
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