Direct Payments
Direct Payments
The Direct Payment is given instead of services, allowing you to choose where, when and by whom you are supported. This gives you choice and control over your own support or care. This also allows for more flexibility and input into the type of support that you choose and receive. More and more people in Peterborough are choosing to receive their care and support through a Direct Payment, and NHS Peterborough is committed to supporting people to obtain greater choice and control by using Direct Payments to provide funding for services directly to individuals. In Peterborough people with Long Term Conditions, Learning Disabilities, or Mental Health Problems as well as Older People and Carers currently use Direct Payments. The amount of money that you will receive through a Direct Payment will depend on the services that you are assessed as needing by a Social Worker, or on the services that you are receiving already. You may be required to make a contribution from your own money towards the total cost of your care if your income and capital show that you can afford to do this. For more information about charges and how these are calculated, please click on the link on the right hand side. You can use your payment to purchase your support in a way that suits you. Direct Payments can be given for individual support or care in your own home, or instead of a day service, respite care, or a short break. Direct Payments cannot be used to pay for permanent residential, or nursing care, or for health services. You can use your payment to buy a service directly form a provider or agency, or you can use the money to employ someone directly – this person can be a friend, or somebody you know but they cannot be a relative who lives with you unless there are exceptional circumstances. Peterborough Council for Voluntary Services provide independent support, advice, and assistance around Direct Payments, and can help with any information or guidance that you may need. They can help you to ask for a Direct Payment, support you though the assessment process, and give you advice and support with recruitment and becoming an employer. If you would like to know more about Direct Payments, or feel that you are eligible for a service and would like to receive your support through a Direct Payment please contact The Community Team 01733 747474 Peterborough Council for Voluntary Services# Chris Hendry or Karen Clarke 01733 342683
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