Direct Payments in Suffolk
What are Direct Payments?
If you have an assessment from Suffolk County Council Adult Community Services or Children and Young People Services and they decide you need support, you will be offered:
Money to arrange and buy your own support (direct payments)
OR
Services arranged by Suffolk County Council
People receiving direct payments take responsibility for choosing and providing their own support services.
You don’t have to choose direct payments for all of your support. Some people prefer to start with a small amount of their care met with direct payments and increase it as they gain confidence.
Why should I use direct payments?
Direct payments can enable you to live independently. Independent living is about having choice, control and responsibility over your life. It is about getting the most out of all areas of life.
Choosing direct payments means you take both control and responsibility for your support arrangements. This gives you more freedom to meet your assessed needs in the way that is best for you.
Some people use direct payments to employ personal assistants or care workers. You can choose who works for you and when the work is done.
Example
Alice needs support to get out of bed in the morning and ready for the day ahead. The agency arranged by Suffolk County Council can only come at 8 o’clock but Alice would prefer to get up later. Alice uses direct payments to employ someone to come at a time that suits her and fits in with her life.
What can direct payments be used for?
Direct payments can be used for meeting your assessed needs which may include:
- Care in the home, such as personal care
- Supported or daytime activities
- Short breaks or respite care
- Equipment
You cannot use direct payments for:
- Buying services from Suffolk County Council
- Buying long-term residential care
What support is available?
Taking responsibility for managing your own services can seem a little daunting, but you’re not on your own. A SIL adviser can visit you in your own home or other suitable location or can provide advice over the telephone or by email.
SIL can support you:
- to arrange care or support for yourself
- to arrange care or support for your disabled child
- to find personal assistants or care workers
- to keep records
- to be a good employer
SIL also runs other services you can access for support with your direct payments. These are:
- A payroll service that can work out the money you need to pay your workers
- A supported accounts service that can hold the money in a bank account on your behalf
SIL, working alongside The Suffolk Brokerage, have also developed an E-Tool to help with possible training needs for your employees
How do I get more information?
For more information on direct payments please contact SIL and one of our advisers will be happy to talk to you.
How do I get direct payments?
If you have not yet had an assessment from Suffolk County Council (ACS or CYP) you can contact Customer First on: 0808 800 4005
If you have had an assessment and would like to consider direct payments further, you can speak to your social worker or care assessor. You can also contact SIL and one of our advisers will be happy to give you more advice and to support you to set up your direct payments.