A personal budget is an amount of money allocated to you to support with the cost for any care services you are assessed as needing.
A social care assessment is completed to find out what help you need and a support plan is written detailing your care and support needs. A financial assessment is then completed to identify if you are eligible for help towards the cost of your care. This is known as your personal budget.
A direct payment does not affect your entitlement to any other state or disability related benefits.
However, you may be required to contribute to the cost of your care. Anyone who receives a service from Wigan Council will be financially assessed and may have to contribute to the cost of their care, whether they receive a service or a direct payment.
There are two ways in which you can receive your personal budget:
- As a council arranged personal budget - your money and services are managed by the council. This is also known as a commissioned service
- As a direct payment – this provides the most choice and control as your personal budget is paid directly to you, your nominated or authorised person and you arrange your own care services.
Having your personal budget via a direct payment gives you more choice and control over the support you receive to help you live independently. It allows you to:
- Control the money you get for support
- Choose how to spend the money in line with the outcomes detailed in your support plan
- Make choices about your life, such as who you want to provide services.
If you need support and are eligible for social care, you can request a direct payment.