Who can get Direct Payments

Direct Payments

• Are over 16 years of age* (young people aged 16/17 will need to contact Children’s Services, see below)
• Are willing and have consented to having a Direct Payment and are able to manage the Direct Payment (you can have help to do this if you need it).
• Are an unpaid Carer over 18 years of age, who cares for someone on a regular and substantial basis. You may be able to get a Direct Payment, in your own right, provided you have had a carer’s assessment and are eligible for services to support you in your caring role.
• Young persons aged 16/17 who undertake a substantial caring role, and meet the criteria for services in their own right, can be considered for a Direct Payment to support them in their caring role. For further information regarding services for carers see the Carers section on Swindon Borough Council’s website or ask your Care Manager.
• If you are a parent, or have Parental Responsibility for a disabled child under the age of 16 ( or a young person aged 16/17) you may be eligible to receive a Direct Payment to meet your child/young person’s assessed needs, instead of receiving services directly from the Council.
• A Pilot Project, is currently working with five families to develop a Direct Payments service. Once the Pilot has been evaluated, and the policies and procedures written, the service will be available to all disabled children, young people and their families - providing they meet the threshold criteria of the Child Health Team.  For more information about the planning of the service contact Susan Hayward, Planning and Development Manager for Disabled Children, on Swindon (01793) 465854.
• If you wish to make a referral to the Child Health Team for an assessment of your child or young person’s needs please contact the Duty Worker on 01793 863918.

The following information relates to Adult Services only

If you need help or assistance with personal care, or other everyday living tasks, there are 3 options.

• You can have care arranged for you by Social Services (called a “Direct Service” such as Home Care or Day Centre).
• You can have a Direct Payment in order to arrange and purchase your own care privately.
• You can also have a combination of Social Services arranged care and Direct Payments.

Direct Payments can be given for any community care service that you have been assessed as needing, and are eligible to receive, except permanent residential care or care services which are run by the Council.

Direct Payments aim to give people with disabilities, or long-term illness, more choice, control and flexibility over how their care is provided and managed. They are a way of increasing people’s independence and ability to continue to live in their own home.

Examples of people who could be eligible to receive Direct Payments for care are: people with physical disabilities; people with learning disabilities; people who have mental health needs; older people who may be frail; people with long term illness; people who may be terminally ill. Of course each case will be dealt with individually and remember - you must have had an assessment of your care needs first.