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Direct Payments

CURRENCYUK1Direct payments are cash payments for people who have been assessed as needing care or support, and who wish to arrange and purchase their care service independently, instead of having services arranged by social services. 

They can give you choice, independence and control of the care you need. 

If you are interested in receiving direct payments please talk to your social worker or call the Information and Assessment team on 020 8753 5456.

Direct payments can give you: 

  • increased independence 
  • control over your own care arrangements 
  • more flexibility and choice in how your care is provided            

Who can have direct payments? 
 Direct payments are available for people who are over 16 and have a disability such as: 

  • a physical, hearing or sight impairment 
  • a learning difficulty 
  • a mental health need            

    or         who are 
  • HIV positive 
  • a parent of a disabled child 
  • a carer            

    and 
  • have had their needs assessed by social services 
  • are willing and able to receive direct payments (alone or with help).            

What can direct payments be used for? 
Direct payments can be used to pay for care or support that would normally be arranged by social services.  For example:  

  • personal care
  • caring for a disabled child
  • cleaning or shopping
  • use of a guide-communicator and other support with independent living.            

It is also possible to use direct payments to pay for part of your care arrangements, and for social services to arrange the rest. 

Direct payments can be used to: 

  • employ your own personal assistant or purchase support directly from a care agency 
  • purchase items of equipment 
  • arrange short periods of residential respite care            

Direct payments are not available to: 

  • pay close relatives to provide your care 
  • pay for permanent residential care 
  • people who are subject to certain mental health or criminal justice legislation                  

For further information on direct payments please call us on 020 8753 5456 or contact Hammersmith and Fulham Action on Disability (HAFAD) at:
 
Greswell Centre
Greswell Street
London SW6 6PX 

Tel 020 7471 8521
Textphone 020 7610 9696
Fax 020 7610 9786
Email info.directpayments@hafad.org.uk
Website www.hafad.org.uk