Direct payments are there to make your life as a parent easier.
It means you as a parent can buy in additional care to help in the need of your disabled child:

When are Direct Payments the right option?
There are a number of reasons why direct payments may
be a better option than receiving direct services from the
local authority, including:

Distance from services – if a disabled child or young
person lives in a remote location it may be more practical
to arrange for services closer to home.

More flexibility – to decide which services are necessary
can be in the interests of the child and the carer.

Waiting lists – there may be a waiting list for direct services
from the local authority whilst it is be possible to
obtain the same service from another source

What can’t Direct Payments be used for?
Direct payments cannot be used to employ someone who is
already resident in the same household, for example another
parent or sibling, unless that person has been specifically
employed as a live-in care assistant.

Direct payments from the local authority can only be used
to pay for services that will meet the needs of the disabled
child or young person as assessed by that authority.

What can Direct Payments be used for?


Direct payments may be used for various services that
provide additional support.

For parents or carers of a disabled child under 16 these
services include:

Short residential breaks

Employing someone to assist with the care

A sitter service

A placement at a day nursery or an after-school club

Respite care

Additional equipment

For disabled young people between the ages of 16 and 17 the direct payment may be used to purchase equipment necessary to meet their needs as set out in the local authority assessment.
It is also possible for the payment to be used to employ someone who can assist with their care.

Your local council now has an obligation to offer direct payments providing you have met the requirements of the scheme following an assesment by social services.

Contact your local council or local social services department to obtain an assesment for Direct payments.

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Our Irish members can also use our new website for Ireland which is

Hi

My social worker has recommended direct payments for myself and my son as a better way of meeting care needs, its the second time now, first was earlier this year but i definitely wasn't ready for it then, i am now more open to the idea although im still finding it daunting.
Im told that once i get into the swing of it, it will all be fine. Guess im just after some reassurance! So if anyone has some that would be great

What is it that worries you about direct payments?
Is it the paperwork involved with direct payments or is their another issue?

hi
is there anywhere i can go/call to get impartial advice on the amount of hours i should get with direct payments?
we live in stoke on trent and i have a 16 yr old son who is getting no respite despite being told in may we should be getting 42 nights a year (3 1/2 nights a month) but the respite centre say they are not suitable for him and i was offered 16 hours a month direct payment which wouldnt even pay for one evening in local private respite. i cant get advice from social worker as it is all based in same building
corinne

This is the problem.
Social services agree payments on a regional/national average and they expect you to meet needs for this cost.
Are there any other options slightly out of area?
Or would you consider employing somebody to offer respite in your home enviroment or where they could take him out for the day?