What is a Personal budget?
A Personal Budget is the amount of money allocated to you to spend on your social care support needs. It can be spent in any way you choose to; so long as it meets the needs identified in your Support Plan and doesn't put you at risk. These will be agreed with your care manager.
What is an Individual Budget?
An Individual Budget is very similar to a Personal Budget but includes funding for other services, such as health care, housing related support and disabled facilities grants.
How much will my Budget be?
Everyone's Budgets will be different. The Budget will be based on an assessment of your needs, as well as taking into account your financial situation.
How do I get a Personal or Individual Budget?
The first thing that you need to do is complete an assessment. This will tell us what your care and support needs are. Once this is complete we will be able to work out how much money you are entitled to each year.
To ensure that the money is spent meeting your needs you will then have to complete a Support Plan. You tell us in the Support Plan how you would like to use your money. If you need help to write the Plan there will be help available.
Once the Plan is approved, the money will be paid to you, or someone who can look after it for you, or provided on your behalf to spend in the way defined in the Support Plan.
Do I have to manage the funding?
No. If you would prefer for Leicester City Council to manage your money and support then you can ask us to do so.
What are the benefits of Personal and Individual Budgets?
Personal and Individual Budgets put you in control. You will be able to decide what support you need and how this care will be organised. Your care will be personalised to meet your needs.
How will the money be paid to me?
If you have a Direct Payment the money will be paid into your bank account, or another person’s bank account on your behalf, every four weeks.
If you want Leicester City Council to manage you Individual Budget for you then you will not receive the money directly. We will spend it on your behalf to arrange your support.
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
Please use this link to download a leaflet about Individual Budgets
