FAQ's

A Direct Payment is a payment that can be made to people who are eligible to receive community care services from Social Services, and who would prefer to arrange their own services.

Direct Payments makes it possible for you to buy the services that you have been assessed as needing, in a way that gives you greater choice and control. Direct Payments also allows for another suitable person to act on your behalf if needed. A suitable person would be needed if the person with care and support needs lacked the mental capacity to manage a direct payment, even with support.

You can decide how your needs will be met, by whom and at a time that suits you. You will have a wider choice of services as well as real control over your life – you will be managing your own care package. Direct payments help give people the opportunity to live as independently as possible.

You can be supported to advertise and employ a Personal Assistant via your Direct Payments Advisor and PA Coordinator.

Please contact your Direct Payments Advisor or SCHDirectPaymentsBrokerage@carmarthenshire.gov.uk.

Alternatively you can call 01267 242324.

Direct Payments can be offered to anyone who is eligible to receive Social Care Services.

People who are eligible include those people who have been assessed by us as having eligible care and support needs, or in case of carers having support needs.

Direct Payments can only be spent on services to meet the needs described in your assessment and detailed in your care and support plan, or in the case of carers, their support plan. 

You can use your Direct Payments to buy community care services such as:

• To help with personal care such as washing, dressing and eating meals
• Practical help and support with activities
• Respite care

You cannot use Direct Payments for health or housing services.

• You can choose how your needs will be met
• You can choose who provides the services
• You can receive services at a time that suits you
• You will receive help and support to manage the scheme

You will be responsible for managing the way that your Direct Payments are spent in accordance with a contract which you would agree with us.

If you employ a Personal Assistant directly, you will have the responsibilities of an employer.  If you employ a personal assistant, we will expect that this person has a valid disclosure and barring certificate before they commence employment.

You may employ anyone as long as they promote your well-being.

Yes, the money you receive as a Direct Payment is for services to meet your social care needs. It remains public money, you must spend it on services to meet your care needs. When you start the scheme you will be told what records to keep and what information you will be expected to provide.

If you are worried that you might not be able to manage Direct Payments on your own you can get help. An adviser from the Direct Payments support scheme can offer you advice and support with this, and assist you with recruitment and managing staff. The support scheme is commissioned by us and is currently provided through Diverse Cyrmru.

This depends on an assessment of how much and what type of assistance you need. Your Care and Support Plan will state the number of hours per week you need and how much this will cost.

This depends on an assessment of how much and what type of assistance you need. Your Care and Support Plan will state the number of hours per week you need and how much this will cost.

You may be asked to make a contribution towards the cost of your care.  This will be the same whether the services are arranged for you by us or whether you choose Direct Payments.

You will be entitled to have a financial assessment (means test) and the results of this will determine how much you will be asked to contribute.

You can find out about the Direct Payments Scheme through:

• Social Care Teams
• Diverse Cymru

A Social Worker will visit you to talk about your situation and the help that you require. This is called an assessment. Once you have been assessed as having social care needs, a Care and Support Plan will be arranged and your social worker will discuss the option of Direct Payments.

We commission a support scheme to help people to manage their Direct Payments if required. Currently this support scheme is Diverse Cymru which is an organisation committed to enabling disabled people to live independently by providing support, advice and information. If you decide you would like to receive Direct Payments and the support of Diverse Cymru, an Adviser from the organisation will visit you to discuss the Scheme.

Contact your Social Worker or Occupational Therapist if you have one or if you would like to receive an assessment of your care needs you can contact the Information and Advice and Assistance Service by:

• Phone:  0300 333 2222 
• Minicom: 01554 756741
• SMS: 0789 2345678
• Making a referral through our website

Or you could contact the Direct Payments support scheme Diverse Cymru on the telephone number: 01267 245579

Request an assessment