What I have to do if I get a direct payment
You, your nominated or authorised person will need to sign an agreement with the council outlining your responsibilities -
this is called a personal budget agreement.
When you receive direct payments there are some conditions you are required to follow. You have to:
- have your direct payment paid into a prepayment card account or into a separate bank account
- use the money to pay for the support the council has agreed you need and keep financial records
- follow the laws and regulations with regards to employing staff if you decide to recruit a personal assistant.
The council will have to satisfy itself that the needs for which it is giving you the direct payments are being met.
You will have to account for the direct payments money that you spend. We will tell you what records you need to keep and what information you’ll be expected to provide and how often.
The council will review your direct payment within the first 6 months of making the first payment to ensure that you are clear about what is expected, you have all your records in place and to answer any questions that you might have.