Why would someone choose direct payments?
It gives you more independence. Direct payments give you more control and flexibility over how, when and where you have your support.
Who is eligible for direct payments?
If you already receive social services we are normally obliged to offer you the option of direct payments in place of the services you currently receive. If you're not receiving social care services you'll need to contact us so we can assess your needs.
How much money will I get?
The amount you receive will depend on the assessment of your needs, which we will make when you contact us.
Everyone who accesses care is financially assessed to determine how much they can contribute towards the cost of any services provided (except for some small pieces of equipment), whether those services are delivered directly by the council or through direct payments. In some cases the assessment will show that you don’t need to pay anything.
How is it paid?
Direct payments are made directly into your bank, building society, post office or national savings account. You will have to set up a separate account for your direct payments. How do I apply for direct payments in Leeds?
You can discuss the direct payments option with your social worker or care manager when you have your care needs assessed. You can also contact ASIST who are the Leeds direct payments support service for advice on arranging direct payments.
Telephone ASIST on 0113 214 3654.
What can I use direct payments for?
The money is for you to use to pay for the services and/or equipment which will meet the needs the local council has assessed you as having.
As a general principle, councils should aim to leave you to choose how best to meet your assessed needs as long as they are satisfied that agreed support arrangements made, are being met.
What can't I use direct payments for?
You can’t use direct payments to:
- buy services from the council
- pay for permanent residential accommodation - but you may be able to use direct payments to get occasional short periods in residential accommodation, if the council agrees that is what is needed.
- get a service from your spouse or civil partner, close relatives or anyone who lives in the same household as you, unless that person is someone who you have specifically recruited to be a live-in employee (other than in exceptional circumstances – give us a call to discuss)
Do I need to keep any record of how I spend the money?
If you receive direct payments, you'll need to account for the money you spend. We will tell you what records you need to keep and what information you'll be expected to provide: examples include timesheets signed by personal assistants, or receipts for services from agencies. ASIST can help you to set up the records and maintain them.
We need to make sure that the needs for which we are giving you direct payments are being met. We’ll discuss this with you when you apply for direct payments.
Do direct payments have any effect on my benefits?
Direct payments are not a replacement of income and therefore will not normally affect the benefits you may be receiving, although in some cases Carer’s Allowance may be affected. Contact ASIST for further details. What do I do if my circumstances change?
If your needs change, contact the council as soon as possible so that we can adjust the payments you require. It doesn't matter whether the changes are long- or short-term.
For example, if you don't need to spend the full amount for a while because your condition improves temporarily, or if you go into hospital, we may need to adjust your payments.
What if I don't want to continue with direct payments?
If you decide you don't want to continue using the direct payments system, let us know and we will arrange services for you instead.