Direct payments are cash payments which are given to you if you are eligible so that you can buy services yourself instead of using the traditional ones available. You would need to be assessed by a Care Manager / Social Worker to agree the amount of your direct payments. These are available to most disabled people, over the age of 16 and parents (or those with parental responsibilities) of children with disabilities who receive or are eligible to receive Community Care Services.   Once you have decided to have  direct payments you will be referred to the SCILL Self Directed Support Service who will assist you with coming onto the scheme. With direct payments, the person receives an agreed amount of cash, which they can use to arrange the support they need.  It offers more independence; flexibility; choice; control and consistency over people’s care arrangements.   SCILL’s Self Directed Support Service offers a comprehensive range of support including a payroll service and a financial administrative service (FAS) for those who find it difficult to open a bank account or who choose not to handle the finance side of direct payments, recruitment support and general information. The team can be contacted on 020 8770 4045 or email dpadmin@scill.org.uk.

Self Directed Support Service Newsletter September 2009

Self Directed Support Service Training September 2009