Direct Payments

i have been awarded direct payments to help me at home for 5hrs 25 mins a week, a gentleman has brought the forms for my employee and other such information sheets, but i was wondering why we have to now submit a time sheet for the employee and then wait for a payslip to issue a check to them is this right or can i just use the money as and when its really needed, i must also point out my main carer is my 12 yr old son.

Direct payments are handled by your Local Authority at County Level /Adult Social Services , and do not come under benefit legislation as such .
I'm sure all the paperwork you have been given has the information in it that you require , if it hasn't then you need to speak to someone from Adult Social Services , presumably on the paperwork you have been given .

Rich

I am just learning about direct payments and I think it depends on your local council as to how well developoed their scheme is.

What I would suggest is that you contact the Advice Service connected to your council and ask that they spend some time explaining the various schemes to you. I was encouraged to go for Direct Payments before I was ready; now I am ready, I am learning about the various options.

It's not just about direct payments It's about learning what you could ask for and what you actually need.

My council has a scheme called Self Directed Services. I am currently working on a self assessment form which I will agree with my case worker. We will then agree what we think I need, for instane I'm newly disabled and I get domestic help; but I may ask to be helped to get out to see my friends, or go to the gym if I need to keep my legs working.

When my personal budget is agreed then I will decided whether I feel able to employ someone with all the responsibilities that carries or whether I want to let someone else deal with that at the Council.If you feel you could do it, then make sure you get as much help and advice as you need before you start the process.

The first thing you will need is a bank account that you keep solely for your direct payments and transactions like payroll; but always remember that there should be as much support as you need in order to get started.Don't be shy about going back and asking questions. My local Disability Advice Centre has a Direct Payments user group and they will send you information about the meetings scheduled. Good luck.

It seems to me that it is about making people who need it