caringnorthants.org.uk

Direct Payments for Carers
of children with a disability
 

‘Direct Payments’, payments for Parents looking after a child with a disability

What if you were given money to buy the services your child needs?

‘What are Direct Payments’?
Direct Payments have been set up Northamptonshire County Council to give people with parental responsibility for a child with a disability, the entitlement to receive money to pay for services themselves, instead of the local council arranging it on their behalf.

What Services CAN ‘Direct Payments’ be used for?:

Personal care in the child’s own home.
Sessional support for a child taking part in recreational, leisure,
cultural or sporting activities.
Family based short break care.
Residential short break care.
Holiday support.

 What services ‘Direct Payments’ CAN NOT be used for?:

Services provided by the local council.
Services that are the responsibility of other agencies, for example NHS Trusts or schools.
Long-term residential care.

 A guidance booklet is available to parents from the Principal Social Worker Team, Disabled Children’s Services on:

 Northampton & South Northants 01604 236140
North Northants 01536 313000

There are also two ‘Direct Payments’ Carer Advisor’s based within Northamptonshire Carers, although the service is county-wide the two members of staff are both based at Northampton Carers Centre and can be contacted on 01604 232500.