Direct payment is cash payment given to you to buy your own care services. It allows people the opportunity to arrange and manage their own care, bringing choice, flexibility, independence and control.
You can get a direct payment if you are eligible for social care or carers services. They are paid as an alternative to services the council provides or those services arranged by others. All individuals receiving, needing or eligible to receive a direct payment can use this service, as an alternative to services directly provided or arranged by the council. This may include:
To receive a direct payment you must be assessed as needing:
You must also be:
These people are excluded because the service forms part of their treatment and are closely monitored.
You can use a direct payment to purchase and arrange your own support. Examples include:
You can not usually use a direct payment to:
You can not use a direct payment to employ:
The relationship between you and your personal assistant needs to be contractual, not personal. However, you may be able to employ people you already know.
Direct payment is deposited into your bank account in advance, every 4 weeks.
For further information, follow the links below:
If you and your social worker agree a direct payment is best for you,
You are responsible for,
The expert service may also be able to help you with;
Although Thurrock Council has a list of approved providers, you do not have to use them. You can make your own arrangements.
You may want to employ your own personal assistants (PAs). This allows you greater choice and control.
It is important to understand your direct payments details so that you can:
You will get an agreement letter from Thurrock Council customer services finance section, once your direct payment is set up. It will include the following:
This bank account must be a separate account. You will get a confirmation from the finance department showing the total amount paid to you.
Once you have decided that a direct payment is right for you, you may need to seek advice and support.
Thurrock Council has provided access to an independent support service for potential Direct Payment users. The service is run by ecdp, an organisation run by and for Disabled People and their supporters and is called ecdp connects.
ecdp connects in Thurrock can support anyone who is eligible for, or who is already using, a Direct Payment. Once a client has been offered a Direct Payment, and the client is agreeable, they will be contacted to discuss their support requirements. If required, a home visit can be arranged.
For more information, download about ecdp connects, download the leaflet below (see how to access PDF files):
If you are already receiving a care package (services), you can change it to a direct payment by contacting your assessor/key worker. If you think you may be eligible but do not yet receive services, please contact us.
After your assessment, you may be asked for a contribution, which is the same as if you were receiving services directly through the council. If you are, this will be deducted from the direct payment before you receive it. The deductions will be shown on your agreement letter. Thurrock Council financial assessment benefit advisors will help you claim all benefits you are entitled to.
Adult Social Care
Thurrock Council
Civic Offices
New Road
Grays
RM17 6SL
You can ring during office hours on 01375 652956 or email: social.care@thurrock.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the services you have bought, you should complain to the provider or employee. It is always better to try to resolve the problem informally before the complaint reaches a formal stage.
You can only complain to the council's social services department about services they have provided. These could include:
Talk to your social worker or team manager first before making a complaint.
01375 652652
01375 652359
