Direct Payments
A direct payment is money, given to you by social work so that you can buy the support services that you need.Social work will give you this payment instead of arranging that support for you. This will give you more choice about the type of support or service you receive.
A direct payment is not a benefit and will not affect your benefits.
Who can get a Direct Payment?
- Disabled people who are 16 years old or above, can get a direct payment. This includes people with a learning disability.
- Parents of a disabled child can get a direct payment to buy the support that their child needs.
- Representatives of disabled people, who are unable to show that that they would like a direct payment, can get them and manage them on behalf of the disabled person.
Why might you want a Direct Payment?
Getting a direct payment can give you more choice and control. You can choose who comes to give you support and when. Support can be centred around you and your interests.
You can a get a direct payment to pay for all the services that you need or just some of them.
Here are some examples of what you might want to do with a direct payment:
- You could get a direct payment instead of going to a day centre. You might then use your direct payment to pay for someone to support you to go on a course that you are interested in or take up a sport that you like.
- You may choose to get a direct payment instead of going to residential respite care. You could use your direct payment to pay for a holiday to somewhere of your choice and for someone to support you while you are on that holiday.
- If you have a disabled child and are in need of respite, you may prefer to employ a family friend who knows them well, to look after them. Or you may want to contract with an organisation that you have heard good things about.
How can you get a Direct Payment?
First, you need a social work assessment that says you need support or services. Then you need to ask social work for a direct payment instead.
If you already have an assessment or a service organised by social work, you need to phone the social work department and tell them that you are interested in direct payments.
If you have never had an assessment from social work but feel that you need some support, then phone your local social work office. Let them know that you want an assessment of your needs and that you are interested in direct payment before they give you one. People can have as much help as they need to decide whether they want one.
Your social worker may say that they don't think you could manage a direct payment. Remember that you can have as much help as you need to manage a direct payment. Some people get help from a friend, advocate, parent or an organisation.
What if Social Work Say No?
Social work cannot say no just because you have a learning disability.
If social work say no, get help! The Action Group can give you advice - contact: The Action Group at Norton Park Centre, 57 Albion Road, Edinburgh, EH7 5QY.
Telephone 0131 475 2315 or send us an email.