Direct Payment

Direct Payments

Direct Payments (also known as Self-Directed Support) are a way of meeting your care needs once these have been identified through a community care assessment (for adults and older people) or a children's services assessment.

Instead of receiving services arranged by the council, you can choose to get a cash payment and buy the support yourself. Orkney Health and Care will work out the amount based on your individual care needs.

You must spend the money on services that meet the care needs and personal outcomes agreed in your assessment. Direct Payments do not count as income when your entitlement to income related benefits is worked out.

For more detailed guidance, ask your Social Worker or Occupational Therapist.

Who can get Direct Payments?

You can get a Direct Payment if:

• Orkney Health and Care has assessed you as needing care services, and you (or your guardian or Attorney) have the legal capacity to receive the payment
• You are 16 or over, or you are the parent or guardian of a disabled child (some people will be excluded for legal reasons)
• You are willing and able to manage a Direct Payment, either alone or with help

Direct Payments are allocated in the same way as other services, based on need and the resources available.

Why choose Direct Payments?

• You get more control over when and how your needs are met
• You can choose your own staff or arrange services yourself
• You have alternatives to existing local services

What can Direct Payments be used for?

You can use the money to employ a personal assistant, or to buy services from an agency or the council. You cannot use it for permanent residential care, or to buy services from NHS Orkney.

You normally cannot use it to employ your spouse, partner or a close relative, unless special circumstances make this necessary.

You can also mix and match: for example, you might attend a day centre through council services, while using a Direct Payment to hire a personal assistant for personal care.

What are my responsibilities?

If you employ your own staff, you'll have legal duties to meet, such as preparing payslips and calculating tax and National Insurance. Age Scotland Orkney can help with this.

You'll also need to show regularly that the payments are being used to meet the needs and outcomes set out in your assessment. If you're allocated a Direct Payment, you'll be given full details of what's required.