Who can receive Direct Payments?

Direct Payments are available to people (including carers) who meet our eligibility criteria and who are either:

• aged 18 or over
• disabled young people of 16 or over
• parent / carers of disabled children

What can Direct Payments be used for? 

Direct Payments can be used to buy help you are assessed as needing for example: 

• support in your own home, which might involve employing a support worker
• short breaks away from home
• services out of the home such as educational and recreational activities
• daily living equipment

If you are already receiving care but would like to manage it yourself you must be able to express a preference or choice so you have some level of control over how your care is provided.

How can I arrange Direct payments?

If you are interested and think Direct Payments would be a good idea for you

Step 1 - talk to your social worker or care manager  or call 0845 045 5201 and ask for an assessment of your care needs

Step 2 - get a care plan organised - so you can see how much you'll get and what kind of help you'll need

Step 3 - set up a bank account and arrange for people to become signatories

Step 4 - begin to arrange care


If your circumstances change please get in touch with your care manager or social worker.

For more information read the publication (on the right) most relevant for you.
 
The Cambridgeshire Direct Payments Support Service (Cambs DPSS) is an independent support organisation paid for by the County Council to advise anyone thinking of taking up the Direct Payments option and to support them in setting up the services they need.

For example; if you wish to employ your own support worker instead of using a care agency, Cambs DPSS will assist you with recruitment and all employment issues, including a payroll service so that you do not have to worry about Income Tax and National Insurance payments.

You can contact Cambs DPSS at:

Cambs DPSS
Ivan Peck House
1 Russell Way
Widford Industrial Estate
Chelmsford
Essex CM1 3AA
Tel - 01245 392328