Independent living support
Independent living through Self Directed Support (Direct Payments)
Shaw Trust offers support to people who want more choice and flexibility in the care services they use. We do this because we believe that the services should fit the person, not the other way around because being able to manage your own care leads to greater independence.
We provide a range of services that support disabled people to live more independent lives. We do this in many ways including Self Directed Support Services (Direct Payments). Last year we supported 2,907 recipients of Direct Payments to employ their own personal assistants and manage their own care.
Independent living is all about:
- equal rights and opportunities
- self respect
- self determination.
What are Direct Payments?
Direct Payments are cash payments given to you in place of social care services previously provided or arranged by your local council.
They increase your independence and choice by giving you the control to purchase and manage your own support.
Who gets Direct Payments?
Most people who get social care services from the council have a right to Direct Payments. They are for:
- older people who have been assessed as needing community care services
- disabled people aged 16 and over, including people with short- as well as long-term needs
- carers, in place of receiving carer's services
- families with disabled children, in place of receiving children's services
- disabled parents, in place of receiving children's services.
Since April 2003 it is a legal requirement that councils give Direct Payments to people who are eligible for them. Care Managers are required by law to promote Direct Payments as an option.
You can use Direct Payments in various ways such as:
- employing your own care/support staff
- buying support from local care agencies
- buying services from an independent service provider, for example a day centre or a respite residential service.
How do I get Direct Payments?
To receive Direct Payments you must be assessed by your local council (usually by adult services or social services departments) as someone who needs a care support or community care service.
If you are eligible your council will carry out a care assessment to determine how many hours support you need and how much money you will receive for your care. The council will also determine whether you can consent to and manage Direct Payments (with help if required).
Direct Payments can be used wholly or partly to meet your support needs. Depending on your financial situation, you may be asked to make a contribution towards the costs and this is determined in different ways by different councils.
For more information:
Speak to your council's adult services or social services department. You can use the DirectGov website to find your local council and find links to local service contact details.
Or you can Contact Us.
Shaw Trust currently provides 7 Direct Payments Support Services in:
Back to Support for individuals
"Because of this, I am able to rest and allow my health to improve. This support has taken the stress off both me and my husband and has enabled our family life to improve."
