Direct Payments
What is a Direct Payment?
Direct Payments are a different way of delivering certain existing social services responsibilities. Direct Payments are cash payments that are given directly to the Service User to purchase the social care services they have been identified as needing through an assessment.
Direct Payments can be used to pay an agency or service of choice or to directly employ staff to provide identified support. Direct Payments can also be used for transport. A Direct Payment can be used for all or part of someone's identified care needs. Direct Payments do not affect any benefits the person may already be receiving or may apply for in the future.
The Direct Payments service is a means by which disabled people can administer their own care funds to secure the services they need at the times they need. This provides greater flexibility, independence and dignity. In the past people receiving services from the local authority have been restricted to prescribed services and equipment, often with no choice being offered. Direct Payments allows people to receive funding from the local authority and it is then for them to select whichever service or piece of equipment that they consider best meets personal needs. Some people will need guidance and support, which they will receive. Indeed there may be some for which such a facility is not appropriate and they would continue to receive a high level of support.
The members Direct Payments Team at Inspire are highly experienced and qualified to advise and support people to help them decide how Direct Payments can help them.
