Direct Payment benefit? advice please.

404

Can anybody help me please?

I’ve been told I’m entitled to some direct payment benefits.. http://www.islington.gov.uk/Health/ServicesForAdults/cash_help_care_services.asp

But for this to work I must have a separate bank account that will be used for the direct payments only!

Has anyone set one up without problems and what bank did you use… I have a flexaccount with the Nationwide at the moment but cant find any info on the website about setting up another separate account!

Thanks.

grumbler

404 wrote:

...I have a flexaccount with the Nationwide at the moment but cant find any info on the website about setting up another separate account!

I have two accounts with NW. Just apply for a new account in a branch or online ('Apply Online' link in the blue bar on the top of your online banking page).

crawley_girl

I support someone to manage their direct payments. They hold an account with Lloyds TSB for this purpose and it was just a case of opening a new account. Easy peasy and done it about 15 minutes.

404

Thanks to both of you...

ffacoffipawb

404 wrote:

Can anybody help me please?

I’ve been told I’m entitled to some direct payment benefits.. http://www.islington.gov.uk/Health/ServicesForAdults/cash_help_care_services.asp

But for this to work I must have a separate bank account that will be used for the direct payments only!

Has anyone set one up without problems and what bank did you use… I have a flexaccount with the Nationwide at the moment but cant find any info on the website about setting up another separate account!

Thanks.

Bad terminology I think. I think they mean "A BANK ACCOUNT" and your flexaccount should suffice.

Poppy9

Direct Payments are cash payments given by Local Authority Social Service Departments to people who have been assessed as needing community care services. By receiving money in lieu of a social care service, people are able to make their own decisions about how their care needs are met and how services are delivered.

How do I get Direct Payments?
To receive Direct Payments you must have been assessed by the Local Authority as needing community care services, and the payment must be used to buy the services that you have been assessed as needing.

If you have already been assessed and currently receive services directly from your Local Authority, you can contact your care manager or social worker to request more information about Direct Payments as an alternative means of gaining the support you need.

If you have not been assessed, but feel you may be eligible you will need to contact your Local Authority Social Services Department to request a needs assessment. This will involve a social worker visiting to discuss the kind of support you need. It is very important that you prepare for this meeting by developing a list of all the types of assistance you need. For example, help with cooking, dressing, bathing, shopping, getting out and about, and helping care for any children.

Local Authorities are required to assess each person individually, taking full account of their needs, and cannot make a blanket decision to cover all people with MS.

If you are eligible and choose to receive Direct Payments, the Local Authority will decide how they are to be paid. They should consult you when deciding how such arrangements will work.

Direct Payments are not a replacement of income and are therefore not taxable. Also, they do not affect any benefits you may be receiving.

Are there any other criteria I must meet to receive Direct Payments?
Your Local Authority must be sure that you are able to manage any Direct Payment arrangements, but this can include assistance from a third party such as a family member, friend or social worker.
You must also be over 16 years of age.
What can I use Direct Payments for?
You can use Direct Payments to buy all of the support you are assessed as needing or just part of that support. There is a range of support services available from each Local Authority and you may wish to continue to use some of these, but use Direct Payments for particular services that you feel need to be more flexible to meet your specific needs. You will need to discuss this, and agree with your Social Services Department what the Direct Payment will be used for.

You can use Direct Payments to pay for almost any care that you are assessed as needing. For example, if you can't do your shopping alone, you could use a Direct Payment to help you do it yourself or to pay someone to do it for you. Or you might pay for some care while your carer has a break. However, you can't use Direct Payments to pay for permanent places in care homes or to buy care from the Local Authority.
Other issues to be aware of
Whilst Direct Payments give you more choice about who cares for you and how, they may mean you have to become an employer. If you hire someone to undertake certain care tasks for you, you may need to sort out contracts, tax and National Insurance. Your Local Authority may be able to give you advice and assistance about dealing with these things.

Some Local Authorities have support schemes to help people with Direct Payments.
What if I change my mind?
You can decide at any time that you don't want to get Direct Payments any more, and would rather have services arranged for you.
Direct Payments for carers
If you have a carer and they have been assessed as requiring support, they too may also be entitled to Direct Payments in their own right. To find out more they should consult the Social Services Department.

Direct Payments for carers are not available in Scotland.

Can the Local Authority stop my Direct Payments?
The Local Authority can stop direct payments if it thinks:

1. your needs are no longer being met;
2. you can't manage your payments; or
3. you aren't spending the money properly.

However, they should warn you and give you the chance to discuss the matter before this happens.

Making a Complaint
Social services in the four nations of the UK have statutory ‘complaints’ procedures. These should be used if you are unhappy with a service or a decision and have been unable to resolve it with the staff involved.