'Providing quality services to enable choice and control'


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Direct Payments Service

'Supporting Independence and Choice'


What are Direct Payments?

Anyone assessed as needing a service from Social Services could be eligible for Direct Payments. This is money paid by Social Services to enable you to manage and arrange your own services.


Who can receive Direct payments?

- Disabled people (16+) (This includes people with physical & sensory impairments; learning difficulties; mental health support needs).

- Older people.

- Parents of Disabled children

- Carers (16+)


What can I use my Direct Payments for?

Social Services can fund:
- Personal assistance
- Day services
- Short holiday breaks (respite care)
- Carers' services
- Equipment


Who could help me with my Direct payments?

WECIL (West of England Centre for Inclusive Living) may be asked by Social Services to provide advice and support to people receiving Direct Payments.

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What next?

Your local Social Services need to be involved. Call your local Social Services (telephone numbers are shown below).
Social Services will assess you to decide what you need. You should be offered Direct Payments. If not, ask why. The Direct Payments Service at WECIL may then be contacted.
A Direct Payments Advisor will make contact to discuss how you can use your Direct Payments.
We will also discuss the financial responsibilities of using Direct Payments.
Whether or not you are eligible for Direct Payments will be the decision of Social Services and they will identify the funding.


The Direct Payments Service at WECIL can offer advice and support with….


Recruiting staff

- Advertising
- Job descriptions
- Interviewing


Using an Agency


Being an Employer

- Management of staff
- Employment contracts
- Disciplinary issues


Finances

Advice on your financial responsibilities


Payroll

A payroll service can be provided.


Social services telephone numbers


- Bristol 0117 922 2000 (voice and minicom)

- Bath and North East Somerset 01934 888 888 (voice and minicom)

- South Gloucestershire 01454 868 686 (voice) 01454 863 055 (minicom)

- North Somerset 01275 888801 (voice) 01275 888805 (minicom)

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