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. 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. Our team works with the WDP Finance Team to provide a comprehensive service payroll where a Personal Assistant's wages, holidays and tax are all calculated and pay slips provided.

Facts:

• 157 referrals received since 1st April 2010 up to the 31st March 2011
• Over 450 people are currently being supported to receive and manage Direct Payments and Personal Budgets
• Clients can employ a personal assistant, an agency or both to meet their needs

How do I get Direct Payments?

Contact Access to Social Care 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 any changes you may require regarding how your support is delivered. 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 running your Direct Payments and Personal Budget so you can continue to live independently at 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 available 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