Direct Payments

Using your direct payment

You CAN use your Direct Payment for:

√ Personal Care (including employing a Personal Assistant*)

√ Day Activities

√ Respite Care

√ Support for daily living (keeping your home clean and safe)

*A personal assistant can help you with most things such as personal care, making meals, shopping and cleaning.

There are 2 types of Personal Assistants:

1. Self - employed, who are responsible for paying their own tax and national insurance.
2. Employed , where you will be responsible for organising their tax and national insurance. There are payroll organisations that can help you. POhWER can also provide support.

You CANNOT use your Direct Payment for:

× Nursing care

× Residential care (excess of 4 consecutive weeks)

× Alcohol, tobacco or drugs

× Gambling

× Illegal activities

× Equipment provided by the NHS

× Household bills

There are three ways of managing a Direct Payment. You can choose which is best for you:

• Self-managed
• Nominated person
• Managed account

If a client lacks mental capacity, that is if they are unable to make decisions for themselves, an Authorised Person can manage the Direct Payment on their behalf.

There are three ways in which the Direct Payment funds can be paid:

• Direct Payment Card Terms and conditions.
  Direct Payment Bank Account
• Direct Payment Managed Account 

Last reviewed: 04/11/2016