Direct Payments Scheme FAQ
What can I spend the money on?
You must agree to use the money to arrange for care services that would otherwise be provided by the council. Most people who get direct payments use the money to employ personal assistants. They use the money to pay wages and meet other costs, such as National Insurance and holiday pay. Some people choose to use an agency for their help, and use the money to pay the agency.
You could, for instance, get direct payments to replace your home care service and choose the person who supports you and the time they come to your home. You could choose direct payments instead of going to a day centre and employ someone to support you to go out to the places you want to go.
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How much will I get?
This will depend on the outcome of your assessment. We will tell you how much it will be before you make any decision about whether or not to accept direct payments.
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Will direct payments affect my finances?
No. These payments will not be taken into consideration as income, nor will they affect your entitlement to benefits.
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Are there restrictions on how I use the money?
Yes. You can only use direct payments to pay for your social care services. You can’t use them for things like: health care, education, housing costs and household bills; permanent residential care (although you can use them for respite or short-term breaks, if this is part of your assessed need); and employing your relatives (if they live with you).
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Do I have to pay anything?
It depends. Wigan Council, like most other councils, operates a charging policy. This is used to work out the amount (if any) you have to contribute towards the services you receive from us. The cost will depend on your financial circumstances.
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Is there anything else I should know?
You will need to open a separate bank account (with a cheque book) for your direct payments to be paid into.
The council has a duty to make sure that direct payments are being spent correctly, so we will carry out checks on a regular basis. A member of the Direct Payments Team will arrange to see you to check your paperwork, timesheets, bank statements, etc. It also gives us the chance to discuss with you how the scheme is working for you, and help with any problems you may have.
Sometimes, other agencies help us to support people who are receiving direct payments, for example, Age Concern help older people. Once you start to receive direct payments, we will tell you who will be supporting you.
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