Heathcare Funding

Did you know…?

If you currently receive care funded by social services you may be eligible for ‘direct
payments’ or ‘self-directed support’ which will enable you to fund your own care with
money given to you by your local council. This means that you don’t have to accept the
care provider that social services commissions – you can make your own choice of
care provider at no extra cost to you.


Why should I choose 'direct payments' or
'self-directed support' ?

If you have been assessed by social services and it was agreed that you are in need of
care, social services will allocate a company to provide that care. If, for any reason, you do
not want to receive care from that company you can apply for direct payments or self-
directed support.

You can apply for direct payments or self-directed support even if you have begun receiving
care from a care provider chosen by social services. You can then choose to have a
different care provider.

Direct payments or self-directed support put you in control and mean that you can make decisions about your care and how your needs are met.


How does it work?

Through direct payments or self-directed support the local council will pay an agreed amount directly either to you or to a friend or relative that you
wish to look after the money. You can select the person or company that provides your care and then you pay for the care using the money provided
by the local council.

As with the care provided by social services, direct payments or self-directed support are means-tested.

You will need to keep records of how the money is being spent – the money you receive is for the sole purpose of meeting your care needs and the
council will ask you to account for the money. You will be told what records need to be kept – for example receipts for services provided by a care
company – but if this is not something you feel you can manage by yourself then you can ask a friend or family member to help.


What if I need help?

If you would like to receive direct payments or self-directed support but think you may need help managing the funds, you can arrange for the money
to be sent to a friend or relative of your choice, or your local council can provide help if needed.


How do I find out more?
For more information on direct payments or self-directed support call the Department of Health Customer Service
Centre on 020 7210 4850 or go to www.dh.gov.uk and type ‘direct payments’ into the search bar.


If you currently receive care funded by social services and would like to find out if you are eligible to receive direct
payments or self-directed support , contact your local council or ask your social worker.