Direct Payments

Direct Payments allow you to manage your own money for community care.

Direct Payments are for people who are physically disabled, elderly, have a learning or mental health difficulty, or a long term illness.

Carers and parents of children with disabilities can also opt for Direct Payments.

Funding and Statistics

Peterborough Direct Payments Scheme are grant funded from the Peterborough Primary Care Trust.

Over 365 (May 2010) and 23 children now benefit from using the Direct Payments Scheme.

Adult Direct Payments

What are direct payments for Adults?

• DP are payments in lieu of services i.e. when your* needs have been assessed by Social Services and you have completed a Self Assessment Questionnaire.
• DP are available to people that are disabled.
• Carers and parents of children.

Child Direct Payments

What are direct payments for Children?

• A person with parental responsibility for a child with disabilities is given money to pay for services instead of Peterborough City Council making arrangements on their behalf.
• Direct Payments are for carers and parents of children with physical disabilities or have a significant learning difficulty.
• Young people of 16 and 17 with disabilities can also opt for Direct Payments.

How to get Direct Payments

You would have to contact Social Services or Child Services to arrange for a Social Worker to visit and assess your needs.

Direct Payment Support

We will visit and can help with:

• Setting up a bank account for your Direct Payments and keeping financial records.
• Provide help with recruitment and payroll service if you are employing a personal care assistant.
• Provide ongoing support.
• We offer ongoing, involving support to individuals in receipt of DP but also to professionals.

What can the Direct Payments be used for?

• DP’s can b e used for activities such as sailing, going to the cinema, gym membership and clubs.
• To employ someone of your own choosing instead of an agency providing a carer.
• To find alternatives to respite such as visiting friends or family.

For an example of how Direct Payments can be used please download the Case study.

What does the support service do?

We can support in most aspects of the Direct Payments, including:

• Setting up a bank account
• Support in financial record keeping
• Support with recruitment and payroll if you aim to employ someone
• Advise regarding agencies or taking on self employed carers
• Liaise with professional and yourself throughout if you wish
• We offer ongoing, evolving support to individuals in receipt of Direct Payments but also to professionals