Direct pPayments

minmins10 wrote: Can someone please explain how to get direct payments for my husband who receives DLAmiddle rate care and higher rate mobility.What can these payments be used for andhow much will he receive and does it include the cost of a holiday ? I receive carers allowance but have recently been ill myself and am finding it difficult to get any info. He has seen an OT and is having a downstairs shower room put in but that is through the OT .Can someone please advise as to how much these direct payments are and what can they be used for,
Thank you

We do not advise on Direct Payments, but I will explain what I can.

Direct Payments are paid by your local council and your husband will need to have an assessment as to his needs, if any, there should be contact information on your council's home page.

There is no specific payment for DP, but the care is usually provided in hours per day or per week.

DP comes in two forms, although most councils are now moving to one. It can either be specific care; a carer will provide a specific service, or it can be general care, where the claimant decides how their care is provided, in addition to personal care it can be used to cover things like cleaning, most councils are moving to the latter system.

The usual system is that the council provides you with a monthly payment and you are then able to source the care as you need by employing a carer or carers to provide the service you and the council agree are required, the council provides will provide a payroll service and admin service, it is important that you understand that all monies will be regularly audited.

As far as I am aware this money cannot be used to provide a holiday.

Gordon