Personal budgets
If you are assessed as having eligible care needs, the planned support will have a cost which is called a personal budget and it allows you to:
- choose and control the support that is best for you
- be fully involved in decisions about the help you need to live independently
- support yourself in ways that suit you
Your personal budget will be made up of the amount you have been assessed to pay and the amount the council will contribute to your care costs.
You can use this budget to buy the care and support you need, in one of the following ways:
- as a direct payment – this means that you will be able to purchase your care and support yourself within your allocated personal budget
- by receiving services commissioned or arranged by us
You must spend the money as per the agreed plan to support your needs.
Direct payments
You can have your personal budget paid to you directly. This gives you the option to arrange and pay for your own support. It means that you do not have to use the services we provide.
If you are unable to manage your money, an ‘authorised person’ can request a direct payment and manage it on your behalf. This is usually a carer, family member or friend.
An ‘authorised person’ must:
- act in your best interests
- make sure that you have as much input as possible into decision-making
- let us know if you are able to make your own decisions again
Managing your payments
We may pay your personal budget as a one-off lump sum or as ongoing monthly payments.
You can use direct payments for:
- support with personal care
- help with daily activities, including getting out and about
- short term breaks or respite care
- getting involved in community-based activities
- buying equipment or making small adaptations to your property
The council can help you with ways of managing your direct payment. We will offer a prepaid card, virtual wallet or a managed account.
If you choose not to have a direct payment, we can arrange support services for you.
For advice from our direct payment support service, visit the Penderels Trust website
Council-managed budgets
A council-managed budget is where we manage your personal budget for you and arrange your support. We can do this if you:
- want to use services provided by us
- do not want to manage the money yourself
- cannot consent to receive direct payments
- do not have an 'authorised person' to help you