It's a different way of getting the support you need.
If you need support and are eligible for social care you can request a direct payment.
You can use a direct payment to buy support which meets your eligible needs and achieves your agreed outcomes. The outcomes will be documented in your care and support plan.
If you'd like a direct payment, but are worried about being able to manage one, you can request to have a direct payment managed by someone else on your behalf. This person would be your nominee.
Where a person in need of care and support does not have the mental capacity to request a direct payment, someone else, such as a family member can request a direct payment on their behalf. If agreed, this person becomes the authorised person.
How to get a direct payment
If you don't currently get a service from us, you'll need an assessment for social care. Please contact Call Derbyshire to request an assessment, telephone: 01629 533190.
If you already receive care and support, please contact your allocated worker.
If you would like to speak to someone about direct payments to explore if they might be right for you, call our advice line, telephone: 01629 533345.
Benefits of a direct payment
A direct payment can be used to buy care and support. You spend the money on meeting the outcomes of your care and support plan.
It's a different way of getting the support you need. You use it to buy the help you need.
If you choose to have a direct payment, money is paid into a separate bank account. A direct payment does not affect your entitlement to any other state or disability related benefits.
However, you may still be required to contribute to the cost of your care. We call this co-funding. Anyone who receives a service from us will be assessed and may have to contribute to the cost of their care, whether they receive a service or a direct payment.
If you get a direct payment you can get help with:
- managing money
- finding a personal assistant
- paying personal assistants
- employing personal assistants
Direct payment overview
Direct payments are a good way for you to take more control of your life. You choose what services you use, when you use them and who you get them from.
Direct payments can be used flexibly, using more time one week and less the next.
You can have a managed bank account to help with the paperwork.
You can choose who is your personal assistant or support worker if you have a direct payment. This can be anyone, even family as long as they do not live with you.
Direct payments give you control over your support.
With a direct payment you can set advance instructions for how you want to be supported if you're not well.
Direct payments can be used to meet your individual outcomes in a way that suits you, at a time that suits you.
As well as giving flexibility and choice a direct payment gives you (or someone acting on your behalf) the responsibility for making the arrangements and keeping within the agreed budget.
Forms and documents about direct payments are attached to this page.
You can also find out about direct payments for disabled children and young people.
Direct payment support
We offer a Derbyshire direct payment support service in partnership with Blue Sky Brokers.
You can contact them for direct payment support including:
- create job descriptions and advertise for personal assistants
- all aspects of employing someone
- contracts of employment
- budgeting
- supervision, grievance and disciplinary
- management of a direct payment
Email info@blueskybrokers.org or telephone: 01332 404040 (option 3).
Find or become a personal assistant
Register with our Derbyshire PA Register.
Or contact Blue Sky Brokers if you need help with recruiting a PA or registering with the PA register.
Prepaid accounts
If you receive your direct payment into a prepaid financial services account, you can visit the prepaid card portal.
Contact us
If you need more information or have a comment or question about direct payments, you can contact us: