Direct Payments and Personal Budgets

If you receive homecare that is funded through social services, you have the right to choose from who you would like to receive your care and support. If you want to find your own provider, you may want to ask about direct Payments and if you qualify for social care funding. Caremark Hammersmith and Fulham can guide you through and provide more information.

If you receive homecare that is funded through social services, you have the right to choose from who you would like to receive your care and support. If you want to find your own provider, you may want to ask about direct Payments and if you qualify for social care funding. Caremark Hammersmith and Fulham can guide you through and provide more information.

What are Direct Payments?

Direct Payments gives you the flexibility, choice, and control over your care and support provision. The Direct payment is paid is paid to you by the social service department, so that you are able to decide how to spend it on your care and support.

What does the law say?

The law is very clear about your rights. With a small number of exceptions, you have a right to choose. Section 31 of the Care Act 2014says that if you request a direct payment, the Local Authority to which the request is made “must” make the payment to you. In an Act of Parliament, the word “must” used in this context means that a duty is imposed on a body or bodies, in this case, Local Authorities. Where there is a duty imposed on a body there is usually a right granted to another allowing enforcement of that duty. You have the right to a direct payment that is enforceable against the Local Authority.

How to apply for direct payments?

If you already receive care and support as your local Authorities Social service department about direct payments. If you are applying for care for the first time, your social worker should discuss with you the direct payments option during your needs assessment.