Guide to managing your direct payment
Receiving direct payments does not mean you have to be able to manage your services without any help. It just means you can decide who provides you with your support, how they do it, and when they do it.
You will have to understand and sign a direct payment agreement that will explain how you can use your direct payment and what evidence you need to give to show that you are using the funds appropriately when your direct payment account is reviewed by the direct payment team.
Who can manage the direct payment?
You can either manage the direct payment yourself, but if you do not want to, or are unable to, a relative or friend can manage it on your behalf.
Direct payments can only be spent on things that will meet the assessed needs of the person. If you spend a direct payment on something that doesn't meet your needs, social care can recover the money from you or terminate the direct payment agreement. If you have decided to apply for a direct payment, the guides will give you practical advice about, managing your direct payment; recruiting and supervising staff; keeping safe and ensuring value for money.
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