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Direct Payments

 

What is a Direct Payment?
A Direct Payment is a different way of getting the support that you are assessed as needing. Warrington Borough Council provide you with the cash to purchase your own care and support or to enable parents of disabled children to arrange their own care to meet the needs of their child. This could be through contracting with an agency or by employing a personal assistant.

Who can receive Direct Payments?
Anyone who uses or is eligible to use community care services. This includes:

  • People with a physical disability 
  • People with a learning disability
  • People with HIV / AIDS
  • People with mental health illness
  • People with a sensory impairment
  • Older people
  • 16-17 year olds
  • People with parental responsibility for a child with a disability
  • Carers
  • People assessed as needing equipment and some adaptations     

Who is in control?
You are! You can arrange who supports you and how and when it’s delivered.  As long as you are in control you can choose someone to help you to “manage” your Direct Payment.

What can direct payments NOT be used for?

  • Permanent residential care
  • To buy help directly from Adult Social Care
  • By a carer to buy personal care for the person they look after     

What support is available?
Warrington Disability Partnership can support you in all aspects of recruitment, employer responsibilities and give advice on record keeping. A payroll service is also available.

The Independent Living Advisors at Warrington Disability Partnership can be contacted on 01925 247506. They are always happy to help you with any queries you have or any further information you may require regarding Direct Payments.

How do I get Direct Payments?
Contact Warrington Borough Council on 01925 444239 to arrange for a Care Manager to visit you to carry out an assessment of your needs.

Alternatively, contact your existing social worker to discuss receiving Direct Payments.  How much money you receive depends on much support you are assessed as needing.

Can a Direct Payment affect my benefits?
No! Direct Payments do not affect welfare benefits, they are not classed as income. 

These payments are not the same as a direct payment from the Department of Work and Pensions which are benefits paid straight into a persons bank account instead of using an order book.

How can I find out more about Direct Payments?

  • Contact your social worker who will help you.
  • Contact the Independent Living Advisor at Warrington Disability Partnership on 01925 247506. Independent Living Team, Warrington Disability Partnership, Centre for Independent Living, Beaufort Street, Warrington, WA5 1BA.
  • If you do not have a social worker but would like to be assessed contact the Access Social Care Team on 01925 444239.
  • If you have any other queries about Direct Payments - contact the Direct Payment Co-ordinator on 01925 443577.     

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