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What are Direct Payments?

Why Direct Payments?

Who are Direct Payments for?

How can you 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?

What are Direct Payments?

It is money we will give you to meet any aligible needs we agree you have instead of providing or arranging services for you.

Why Direct Payments?

It gives you choice over how, when and by whom your needs are met.

Choice over who you employ (or which agency you use).

Choice about the time when you received your service.

This enables you to be in control of your life.

Who are Direct Payments for?

You, if the following apply:

• you have been assessed by us as needing a service.
• you agree to receive Direct Payments to meet some or all of your needs.
• you are able to deal with Direct Payments and run your services. (You can use other people to help you manage your Direct Payments.)

How can you use Direct Payments?

Depending on your needs you can do all of the following:

• employ your own staff 
• use an agency or other service provider
• buy short term breaks
• buy equipment.

You cannot

• employ a close relative who lives with you
• buy the help you need from any local authority
• pay for permanent residential care
• use the money other than to meet your agreed needs

What are my responsibilities?

If you decide to receive Direct Payments you will:

• need a bank account for the money you receive unless we say otherwise
• have full responsibility for the employment of personal assistants, if you chose to have them
• have to pay the bills of any agency or service provider you use
• keep simple records and give us information when we need it.

We will support you with these responsibilities.

What do I do if I want to know more or would like Direct Payments?

You can contact your social worker or care manager or contact our Self Directed Support Team on 01202 456830.

Alternatively you can contact the Direct Payments Support Service on 01202 789220 (typetalk welcome)

email: dpsupport@disabilitywessex.org.uk

online: www.bournemouthdirectpaymentssupportservice.org.uk