Below are a few FAQ’s that you may have:
Who qualifies for Direct Payments?
Many people who receive care packages arranged by their local authority can choose to receive a direct payment instead, to allow them to arrange their own care. You can speak with your social worker who will carry out an eligibility assessment.
Before making direct payments, the local authority (LA) must be satisfied that all the following apply:
• the person who is entitled to a care package has needs which can be met using direct payments.
• the payments will be made to someone who can manage them (either alone or with the help available)
• either the person entitled to the care package agrees to have direct payments being made, or someone agrees on their behalf.
Who qualifies for a personal health budget?
Currently, only adults who are eligible for NHS Continuing Health Care funding and children in receipt of continuing care have a legal right to access personal health budgets. If someone is interested in a personal health budget for themselves or someone they care for, they should talk to their local NHS team or health professional who helps them most often with their care – this might be a care manager or a doctor.
Will having a direct payment affect the benefits I receive?
No. A direct payment isn’t considered as income, and it is not intended as a replacement for benefits such as PIP. So it will not affect any existing benefits.
