If you are eligible for council
services, ask your care manager for
information about direct payments.
Direct payments are cash payments we can give you instead of giving you a service.
It's a different way of getting the support you need - and puts you in the driving seat.
You spend the money on getting the support you want to meet eligible needs that have been agreed as part of your assessment. This enables you to have more choice and control in how you are supported.
For instance, instead of the council simply allocating you a care worker at an allocated time, you can choose your care provider – perhaps a friend or neighbour – and decide when and how you will receive that care.
Who can benefit from direct payments?
Direct payments can be made to:
people aged 16 or over who are in need of community care services
carers aged 16 or over in respect of carer services
people with parental responsibility for disabled children. Find out more about direct payments for disabled children
What is the point of direct payments?
The aim of a direct payment is to give more flexibility in how services are provided. People have greater choice and control over their lives, and are able to make their own decisions about how their care is delivered.
Following your community care assessment, or reassessment, you can now choose whether to have services provided directly by us, or have a direct payment.
What am I allowed to spend the money on?
You can use the money to employ a personal assistant or you can use an agency to provide staff for you. Or you can 'mix and match' and have some of your support provided by Oxfordshire County Council and take some as a direct payment.
You must use the money to meet your assessed needs. You can't use the money to employ a close relative or person living in your home.
Direct payment rates from April 2009
Rates for people employing directly
£10.85
Rates for people using an agency
Up to a maximum of £18.11
What else do I need to know?
You will need to open a separate bank account to have the money paid into, and send in monthly bank statements from this account.
The Direct Payment Support Agency will give you all the help you need to operate direct payments.
Direct payments are not a social security benefit, will not affect any means tested benefit you are entitled to and are not taxable.
What happens if my circumstances change?
Your social worker should review your assessment at least annually. This will provide you with a regular check on how well your arrangements are meeting your needs.
If at any time, you feel your circumstances have changed or that costs have increased, you should contact your social worker to request another assessment.
If you wish to be assessed for this service or ask for more information, you can complete this online form or telephone Social & Community Services at 0845 050 7666.
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