Direct Payments

The team supports service users across Warrington wishing to have more choice and flexibility over their personal and practical day-to-day living and support needs. They assist clients with the setting up and maintaining of their direct payments and also have a volunteer to assist with administration duties. The main source of referrals come from Social Workers although self referrals are occasionally received. The team also support recipients of the Independent Living Fund.

The team support Direct Payment clients through each step of the process which include setting up and running Direct Payments. This may be with an agency or employing a personal assistant. If a client chooses to use a personal assistant, help is available with recruiting, advertising, interviewing, contracts of employment, Employer Liability Insurance and Criminal Records Bureau checks. This service works with the WDP payroll Team to provide a comprehensive service. Where a Personal Assistant’s wages, holidays and tax are all calculated and pay slips provided.

Facts:

• 102 referrals received since 1st April 2008 up to the 31st October 2008 - an
• increase of 26 for the same time period last year
• 288 people are currently being supported to receive and manage Direct
• Payments
• 239 clients employ a personal assistant, 39 use an agency and 10 use
• both to meets their needs
• 41 clients are currently working towards the process of setting up a Direct
• Payment or will make an informed choice not to have their care
• delivered in this way

How do I get Direct Payments?

Contact Social Services on 01925 444239 to arrange for a social worker to visit you to carry out an assessment of your needs. Alternatively, contact your existing social worker to discuss the next steps, if you have one. How much money you receive depends on how much support you are assessed as needing.

What support can I get to manage my Direct Payment?

The Independent Living Team can support you with all aspects of recruitment, employment law, and all matters relating to living independently in one's own home. Warrington Disability Partnership offers a Payroll Service to assist you with paying your Personal Assistant including calculating tax and national insurance. The Independent Living Team are always happy to help you with any queries you have or any further information you require regarding Direct Payments

If you require any further information please contact Julie Boyd at the Independent Living Team