Direct Payments

[zeitgit]

In receipt of middle-rate care component of Disability Living Allowance. I've recently discovered that I am entitled to "direct payment" assistance. Does anyone have experience/knowledge of how this scheme operates for those whose disability is mental health related. Many thanks.
zeitgit

[enaid]

Re: Direct Payments

Hello zeitgit,
I get Direct Payments for my daughter, it pays for 2 PA's to take her out and about and also to attend the day center 3 times a week.
You will first be assessed for your particular needs.


What direct payments can be used for

Direct payments can be used to buy services from an organisation or to employ somebody to provide assistance. As a carer, you can use a direct payment to purchase the services you are assessed as needing to support you in your caring role. This includes support that may help maintain your health and well-being. For example, driving lessons or a holiday so you can have time to yourself.
If you are assessed as needing domestic help, you may ask for a direct payment and buy the support services you need.


You have to open a seperate bank account the money can be paid into and you have to keep accounts and send off regular statements to the council.
I use a free service that works out the wages for me once I have sent in the time sheets. I would think most councils have a service that will help with this.
You are the Employer and therefore will have to pay for Liability Insurance, but all this will be taken into account with your payments from the council.
Also you have to send off the Income Tax that has been deducted from your employees, this is notified by the office that does the wages. All payments must be by cheque.
Hope this helps Enaid x