From April 2003 every local council must offer those who are eligible, money, instead of arranging services for them.
When a council gives someone money in this way, it is known as a direct payment.
The
vast majority of people getting social services from the council have a
right to direct payments. More specifically they are:
- Older people who have been assessed as needing community care servicesDisabled people aged 16 and over, including those with short as well as long term needs
- Carers, in place of receiving carers’ services
- Families with disabled children for children’s services
- Disabled parents for children’s services
Direct
payments allow people to take more of the decisions which affect their
lives. They give you more flexibility and choice, by enabling people of
all ages to purchase care for themselves that better suits their
individual needs.
If you receive direct payments, you can decide
how your needs will be met, by whom and at what time. You are in
control. You may make arrangements directly, so that staff you employ
report directly to you. If you have a contract with and agency, the
agency will be accountable to you and not the local council.
For
more information as to how Autism Sussex can help you with meeting your
needs through direct payments, please complete our
on-line Enquiry Form.
