Direct Payments Factsheet
B8: Carers
What are Direct Payments?
Direct Payments are funds provided by the council to individuals eligible for social care support.
Why would I want Direct Payments?
They let arrange and buy services yourself, giving you more control and flexibility over the support you receive. Staff report directly to you or if you use an agency, they coordinate with you, not the council.
How could I get Direct Payments?
To get Direct Payments as a carer, you need a Carer’s Needs Assessment. Request one by contacting the council or through your doctor, health visitor, district nurse or community psychiatric nurse.
If the person you care for is in hospital, ask a nurse to connect you with a hospital social worker. If eligible, your assessor will explain the available options, including how Direct Payments could work for you.
For carers’ services from North Yorkshire Council contact us to discuss Direct Payments and explore the options so that you can decide what works best for you.
Young Carers
If you are aged 16 or 17 years old and provide substantial care for an adult, Direct Payments might be an option for you. You can request a Carer’s Assessment by contacting us.
What can Direct Payments be used for?
Direct Payments must be used as outlined in your Carer’s Assessment and support plan to ensure you are supported in your caring role and maintain your well-being. They can be used to:
- buy goods and services.
Directly employ someone.
There are some restrictions on what Direct Payments can be used for:
- You cannot pay yourself as a carer for the care you provide.
- You cannot employ someone who lives in the same household as you or the person you care for unless it is agreed this is necessary by North Yorkshire Council.
You cannot use Direct Payments for services of an intimate nature (e.g. bathing) or respite care for the person you care for. If such support is needed, the person you care for may receive their own Direct Payment or have their services arranged by a social worker.
Will I need to pay anything myself?
North Yorkshire Council does not charge carers for services. Direct Payments do not affect any benefits you may be receiving.
Could the person I care for receive Direct Payments?
Yes, most individuals receiving social care support at home from the council are eligible for Direct Payments, including:
- Older people who have been assessed as needing community care services.
- Disabled people aged 16 and over, including those with short as well as long term needs.
- Carers, in place of receiving carers’ services.
- Families with disabled children for children’s services.
- Disabled parents for children’s services.
- Individuals receiving Direct Payments on behalf of someone who lacks capacity.
If the person you care for cannot make decisions about Direct Payments, someone else can receive them on their behalf. If you or someone you know can act as a “suitable person,” please contact the council.
Direct Payments are generally available in most situations, but there are some exceptions. If they are not available, the reasons will be clearly explained to you.
