Introduction

1.2     This policy sets out the conditions that apply to direct payments and applies to: 

• adults (including carers) assessed as having unmet eligible needs under the Care Act where the council intends to fund part or all of the cost of meeting those needs
• adults entitled to after-care services where the council is discharging its duties under s117 of the Mental Health Act 1983
• Adult Social Care staff
• any individual or organisation to whom the council has delegated its duties for support planning and review under the Care Act or its S117 after-care duties

1.3    When the council is going to contribute towards the cost of meeting needs under the Care Act or pay for S117 after-care arrangements, people who would like to arrange some/all of their own support may apply to the council for direct payments. Direct payments are not yet available for residential care.

1.4    Most people apply for direct payments when they agree their plan for support/after-care with the council but they can apply at any other time.  They may also opt out of direct payment arrangements at any time by notifying the council if they change their mind about having direct payments.