Money from the council to use for your care and support.
A personal budget is the money the council allocates you to meet your care and support needs.
We want you to be as involved as possible in choosing and arranging the care and support you need. We call this self directed support.
When your support plan is agreed we will have a clear idea of the care you need and how much it will cost. Most people have to pay something towards the cost of their care.
You can choose how to use your personal budget providing it meets the outcomes in your support plan. This may include support for you to take part in leisure and social activities.
Managing your personal budget
You will need to decide how you want to receive and manage your personal budget. You can choose from;
- direct payments from the council which gives you complete control
- arranged support by the council
- a combination of both
In order to get the right support you can choose to employ your own staff or you can buy services from an agency, a private service provider or a voluntary organisation.
If you are unhappy with your budget
If you think the care budget you are offered is not enough, you do not have to accept it. Discuss this with your social care worker who will advise you on what you should do, which may include how to make a complaint.
A direct payment gives you more control over the support you receive. This could include respite care (taking a break), help with personal care and getting around, as well as social and leisure support. We often call this self directed support.
Using direct payments
You can use a direct payment to;
- employ a support worker or personal assistant
- pay for a support agency of your choice
- buy equipment to help you to stay safe and independent
- fund support for you to take part in activities or outings
- provide a short break for your carer
Restrictions
You cannot use a direct payment to;
- pay for residential care
- buy food, clothing or other general living expenses
- buy goods or services that do not relate to your agreed care needs and outcomes which are detailed in your support plan
- employ someone who lives with you - unless there is a special reason for this and it has been agreed in advance with us
- buy healthcare services
- buy services directly from the council
How you receive your direct payment
Your direct payment will need to be paid into a separate bank account. You will receive your money, paid in advance, every two or four weeks. In some cases, such as for short breaks, you may receive this as a lump sum.
You will also need to pay your contribution into the direct payment bank account at the same time.
Managing your direct payment
You will be responsible for how your direct payment is spent. You must be able to show that it has been used for the services and support agreed in your support plan.
This means you will have to keep records of your spending and we will ask you to;
- keep receipts and invoices
- send us information on how you have spent your budget
- check with your social care worker if you wish to spend your budget on anything that is not in your support plan to make sure this still meets your outcomes
- return any money not used to the council
- keep records on wages, tax and national insurance if you employ a carer or personal assistant
You will be required to sign a contract with the council which will tell you about your responsibilities.
Getting help to manage your direct payment
You may want help with;
- planning your care
- finding care and support options to help you make your decisions
- getting costs
- setting up bank accounts
- using the payment and what your responsibilities are
- paperwork
Contact these agencies for advice or ask your social care worker to make a referral on your behalf.
