Through Direct Payments, you can be paid directly for services that would otherwise be provided for you by social services. This means that you can then be responsible for paying for your own care provision. Direct Payments are not taken into account as an income when assessing you for means-tested benefits and they are not taxable.

 

You need to have been assessed by social services as having a need which they would be able to provide a service for. This could include help with daily living such as a home help. You can use Direct Payments to arrange your own support at home, as well as daytime activities and respite. To apply, you must be a disabled person over 16, a carer over 16 or a parent over 16 who is responsible for a disabled child.

It is important to note that you will be responsible for the money you are awarded and how you spend it. You will need to keep records and you will have responsibilities as an employer, but you can get help to do this if you need it. The Centre for Independent Living can provide a range of services including training and payroll services to help you manage these responsibilities. You can contact the Centre for Independent Living at http://www.cilbelfast.org/ or on 028 9064 8546. 

You should also note that Direct Payments in this context is not the same thing as the direct payment of state benefits into bank accounts which has been happening for a few years now.

 

For more information about this you can contact a local advice service.

 

If you are not already in receipt of a service from your local Health and Social Services Trust, you need to ask them to assess your needs first. Your local Trust should have a Direct Payments coordinator who can help you to apply, or you can contact the Centre for Independent Living at http://www.cilbelfast.org/ or on 028 9064 8546..