What are Direct Payments?
Direct Payments are intended to help you arrange our own care and services. They can be used to buy the services or help you need instead of Leicester City Council providing them for you.
To get Direct Payments, you must have an assessment of your needs by the council and a care plan saying what services you need.
Who can have Direct Payments?
Direct Payments are available to.
- People who have a physical/sensory disability.
- People who have a learning disability.
- People who have a mental health problem (but there are different criteria for some groups).
- Frail older people who need support to remain independent.
In order to receive a Direct Payment, you must have had an assessment of need. You must need help and support to lead an independent life (e.g. help with personal care). People living in a care home are not eligible.
The person requiring support must also be able to give some form of consent to wanting to receive Direct Payments.
How can the money be used?
You can use the money to pay for any of the following.
- An agency that provides support, usually known as a Home Care Agency.
- A person that you employ to support you.
However, you can only pay or employ a partner or other relatives that normally live with you, with the approval of the Council.
They will be expected to support you in meeting the needs identified in your care plan.
Are Direct Payments difficult to manage?
We try to make the system as simple as possible.
We fund a Support Agency to support people with managing their Direct Payments. Currently this support is provided by Enham.
You will be required to have a separate bank account. You will also have to complete some forms every three months to show what you have spent the Direct Payment on and provide us with receipts of expenditure.
If you are eligible for Direct Payments, we will discuss a start date with you so you can make arrangements for your own care. Then, when you are happy with the arrangements, you will be asked to sign a contract with us. The contract is simply an agreement that you will use the money to pay for your own support and care. Once that is done, the payment will be set up.
How can I apply for Direct Payment?
If you are currently receiving services from us and, if you meet the eligibility criteria, please contact us if you would like to receive Direct Payments.
If you are applying for services for the first time, your social worker should discuss the Direct Payments option with you when they assess your care needs.
Alternatively, you can apply for Direct Payments using our on-line enquiry form.
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