www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Adult Carers - direct payments
Frequently Asked Questions Index
- What is a Direct Payment?
- Who can get a Direct Payment?
- Who can I employ?
- How is it paid?
- What can money be used for?
- How much money can I have?
- Are there any charges?
- How much responsibility and control will l have?
- What help and support can I expect?
- How long does a Direct Payment last?
- How can I get a Direct Payment?
- Who should I contact for more information?
- Adult & Community Services contact points
- Contact Details
This page explains how people eligible for community care services can be enabled to live in the community using a direct payment.
What is a Direct Payment?
If you have been assessed as needing community care services and are capable of managing a direct payment (with assistance, if necessary) you can decide to receive a payment and organise and buy those services yourself.
Who can get a Direct Payment?
A direct payment can be made to anyone over the age of 16 living in Wiltshire who requires assistance from others to live independently at home. It is also available to carers and people with parental responsibility for a disabled child.
Who can I employ?
In exceptional circumstances you may employ a close relative, spouse or partner, living in the same household.
You may employ anyone else living inside or outside your household, including other relatives or friends.
How is it paid?
The direct payment will normally be paid monthly in advance.
What can money be used for?
Direct Payments can be made to purchase personal assistance to:
- help you with personal tasks, such as getting up, washing, dressing, going to bed etc.
- help you with practical tasks such as food preparation, cooking, shopping and other related tasks to enable you to live in your own home.
How much money can I have?
The amount of money provided depends on priority of need and the level of assistance required for you to live in your own home, taking into account what it would cost the local authority, to provide
Are there any charges?
A person receiving direct payments will be subject to the local authority's charging policy in the same way as other service users.
How much responsibility and control will l have?
You will have the responsibility and control of:
- Employing an agency, and/or recruiting and employing your own staff.
- Organising and managing your own day to day living arrangements.
- Paying your staff/agency using a separate bank account.
- Keeping records.
Support and advice is available to assist you to take on these responsibilities if you wish.
What help and support can I expect?
The Rowan Organisation is available to provide information and advice on employing agencies and employing your own staff. It can put you in touch with other people receiving, or considering a direct payment.
How long does a Direct Payment last?
As with all community care services, a review of eligibility and priority must take place at least annually, subject to any significant changes in your circumstances. You are able to request a review at any time.
How can I get a Direct Payment?
You will need to have a community care assessment and meet our eligibility criteria for services.
While you meet our eligibility criteria for services you can ask for a direct payment at any time.
Who should I contact for more information?
Contact your nearest Community Care Information Point, Locality Team or your Care Manager, Care Co-ordinator, Key Worker or Social Worker.
Adult & Community Services Social Care Helpdesk:
Tel: 0845 603 1570
Email: schd@wiltshire.gov.uk
The Rowan Organisation
Freephone help and advice line for service users: 0800 7831 755 (Calls will be forwarded to an appropriate Advisor in Wiltshire who will then contact you).
Publicity & Information Officer:
Tel: 01225 713923
Text: 01225 713936
Fax: 01225 713983
Alternatively, email us at schd@wiltshire.gov.uk
However, for security reasons, please do not email us with personal details.
Contact Details
By Post
Social Care Help Desk
Wiltshire County Council
Department of Community Services
(Adult Social Care Services)
County Hall
Trowbridge
BA14 8LE
By Email
socialcarehelpdesk@wiltshire.gov.uk
By Telephone
01225 713001
By Fax
01225 713355
Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday 8.30am - 5.20pm
Friday 8.30 am - 4.20pm
