Information about Direct Payments, what you can use them for and how you can get them.

What are Direct Payments?

Direct payments are a different way of arranging the support you need when you need it. Instead of receiving a service from the Council, a direct payment is money the Council can give you to buy support.

Most people who need additional support from the Council could get a direct payment. A member of our Adult Social Care and Support team would be more than happy to talk to you about direct payments when they look at what support you need. You can get in touch by using our Contact the Council page..

Why choose a Direct Payment?

Direct payments give you flexibility and control over your own life. You are able to choose what services you use, when you need them, and who you are getting them from.

What support can I buy with a Direct Payment?

Support will mean different things to different people. Your support plan will be completed following a conversation with a Social Care worker who will discuss how your support needs can be met. 

Here are some examples of how you could use a direct payment:

• To get support from a place or team of people within your local community – this could be a day centre, a community team, or organisations where you live
• To get support with personal tasks like washing and dressing. This might include employing a Personal Assistant to support you to maintain your independence
• To get support to live in your own home and carry out tasks like cooking, cleaning, and managing your money
• To purchase equipment such as specialist sensory aids
• To get out and about, such as driving to see friends, pursuing hobbies, attending events within the community or going on holiday
• To get support with parenting duties, such as enabling you to take your children to school

Read about how a direct payment was used to buy an Amazon ‘Alexa’ to meet the support needs of one Doncaster resident in the document below:

Using Alexa to meet social care assessed needs DP Case Study

Download (14KB - DOCX)

How will my Direct Payment be set up?

Everyone who has a direct payment must be able to show the Council that they are using the money for services that will meet the needs set out in their support plan. 

You can have a Direct Payment card which is like a bank payment card.

It is not a credit card - you won't be able to overspend with a direct payment card but you will need to keep receipts to show how you have spent your direct payments.

Can I get support to manage my Direct Payment?

Some people may need help to manage the money side of a direct payment.

Doncaster Council has commissioned Penderels Trust who can support you to manage your direct payment. If you employ staff, they will help you to be a good employer. 

If you choose to use your direct payment to employ a personal assistant, you may need support with the following:

• Looking for the right person to support you with the things you identified in your support plan
• Employment matters like contracts of employment of staff and being a good employer

If you would like support with your direct payment you can contact Penderels Trust on 01302 897115 or at doncaster@penderelstrust.org.uk.

Is a Direct Payment right for you?

Your direct payment will be reviewed after 6-8 weeks. A Social Care worker will talk to you about how things are going and make sure that your direct payment is right for you.

Not everyone wants a direct payment. It’s important to work out if it might be right for you, but you don’t have to do this on your own.

What if I change my mind once I have a Direct Payment?

If you receive direct payments but want to change your mind, that’s OK. You just need to tell us and we will stop your direct payment and help you to look for support in a different way.

Where can I get more information on receiving a Direct Payment?

If you would like to have a talk about getting a direct payment please contact us. If you already receive support from the Council, you can speak to the person you usually talk to about this service.

You can also visit one of our community conversation points for more information. Find out where your nearest community conversation point is.

For more information on local groups & activities, information & advice on products & services visit www.yourlifedoncaster.co.uk or follow us @MyDoncaster on Twitter or Facebook for the latest news.

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