Direct payments for carers

This is what carers have said they like about organising their own support via a direct payment:

• more choice - there is more choice over where support can be purchased from
• more flexibility - you can plan ahead and organise support when you most need it or most want it
• more control - there is familiarity and consistency with the support. You can use the money whenever you want to
• more independence - the direct payment allowed me to have time out as a carer.

It’s not as hard as anticipated:

• just keep receipts
• you don’t need to open a separate bank account as the direct payment is received as a one-off payment.

Carers’ direct payments are designed to be as flexible and stress free as you want them to be.

Some examples of how carers have used their direct payments

Paul has been caring for his wife who has a neurological disease for several years and is supported by his family. He explained to his social worker that he has been feeling burnt out recently and would like a break as well as an opportunity to start a new hobby. A carer’s direct payment was agreed and Paul used it towards the cost of a three day fishing trip and equipment. He was able to take his break and now has a new hobby that he finds relaxing and that has introduced him to a new circle of friends.

Yasmin told her social worker that coping with taking her two young children across town on the bus every day to nursery as well as caring for her husband with Multiple Sclerosis was just getting too much for her. She owns a car but did not have a license. A carer’s direct payment was agreed and Yasmin used it towards the cost of driving lessons. Yasmin passed her test and is now able to use the family car which has supported her to carry out her parenting responsibilities in addition to her caring role.