Direct payments

What are direct payments?

Direct payments are cash payments made to people who following a needs assessment are eligible to receive social care services from us, Barnet Council.

The payments mean that you can arrange your own services or support. You have more freedom, choice and control as you can decide how your needs are met, by whom, at a time that suits you.

Who can receive direct payments?

You can receive direct payments, if you are 16 or over, and assessed by us as needing social care services. Direct payments can be made to:

People with a physical impairment
People with a learning disability
People with a sensory impairment
Older people
People experiencing mental ill health
A carer aged 16 or over, for services based upon their own needs.
An adult with parental responsibility for a disabled child.

Who cannot receive direct payments?

We will offer direct payments to everyone who is eligible. The law excludes some groups of people from receiving a direct payment. This includes:

People who are receiving certain types of treatment under the Mental Health Act.
People receiving social care as part of a compulsory court order
People receiving treatment for substance misuse
People going through the criminal justice system.

What can I use a direct payment for?

Direct payments can only be spent on services to meet the needs described in your assessment. You can use your direct payments to buy social care services, such as:

Personal care, for example, help with washing, dressing and eating meals
Practical help, for example, shopping and cleaning
Short breaks (respite care)
Leisure or recreational activities.

If I already have a care plan, can I change to a direct payment?

Yes - speak to your social worker or care manager who will arrange for your care plan to be converted to direct payment. They will refer your details to the Direct Payments Advisory Service,and a member of the team will contact you to arrange a visit to discuss how direct payments work.

You will receive ongoing advice and support on all issues relating to how to use your direct payments money from the Direct Payments Advisory Service.

Will having direct payments affect my benefits?

No. Direct payments are not a benefit and will not affect any benefits you may receive as it is not treated as personal income because it is money that is to be used to meet your care needs.

What amount of direct payments will I receive?

The amount you receive will depend on what services or care you have had a been a ssess e d as needing.

Some people may have to contribute towards the cost of their care, depending on their individual circumstances. This will be discussed during your assessment. If you have to pay a charge, this will be taken into account when your direct payment is calculated.

Currently there is no charge for direct payments to carers.

Is there anything that direct payments cannot be used for?

Direct payments cannot be used to pay for:

Permanent residential or nursing care. It can, however, be used for short term residential care e.g. respite care
Equipment or services that are normally provided by health, housing, or education services
Employing close relatives who normally live with you, except in exceptional circumstances.

If I choose direct payments, who can provide my care?

You can employ a support worker or personal assistant (this can be a friend, neighbour, or someone you know already). You can advertise for someone or use a worker from a care agency.

If I receive direct payments, what would I be responsible for?

If you receive direct payments, you will be expected to:

Sign an agreement with us to say that you will spend the money on the services you have been assessed as needing.
Set up a separate bank account to keep your direct payment money in.
Use the money you are given to pay for the services you need.
Keep proof of spending and other agreed documents for inspection by the council.

You will be expected to keep records and we will monitor how you spend the direct payments.

What support is available to people who receive direct payments?

Support and information on using your direct payments including information about becoming an employer and employing foreign workers is provided by the Direct Payments Advisory Team.

You will be given a copy of the direct payments advice pack when you start direct payments. This is your reference document, full of information about the direct payments scheme.

The Direct Payments Advisory Team will also discuss any additional support you might need. This may include help with pay roll, tax and insurance, completing forms or recruitment.

You must remember though, that the responsibility to ensure that the direct payment is managed correctly remains with you.

What do I do if I am interested in receiving direct payments?

If you think you may be entitled to receive a social care service from us, please contact the social work team relevant to your illness or disability, and ask for an assessment. A social worker or care manager will visit you to discuss your needs.

You will also have to complete a financial assessment, as you may have to pay towards the cost of your care. If you are interested in receiving your care as a direct payment, your social worker or care manager will then refer you to the Direct Payments Advisory Service, and a member of the team will visit you.

If you do not have a social worker or care manager you can contact us on:

Tel: 020 8359 2000 or email: first.contact@barnet.gov.uk.

For more information about Direct Payments, please contact Direct Payments Advisory Service on:

Tel: 020 8359 3760
Fax: 0870 889 5485
Email: directpayments@barnet.gov.uk

You can also request a copy of the Booklet about Direct Payments (PDF:618KB).

Further information about Direct Payments can be found on the Direct Payments Section of the Department of Health website.

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Related Service Area Information: Direct Payments Advisory Service