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Direct payments

Lady discussing direct payments options

If you are assessed as being eligible for care support, or some equipment or adaptations, then you have the option to arrange and manage this yourself instead of Community Services doing this on your behalf. This is known as a direct payment and will give you the opportunity to have greater choice and control over any support you need by buying it yourself. (this should not to be confused with the way benefits are paid into the bank or post office, also known as direct payments).

The direct payments system - how it works

Being in control of the money for your care support means you can choose how you want your support to be delivered, who provides it and how often you receive it. It also means that as long as you spend the money on your assessed needs you can use it flexibly. For example, you may want to change the times or days your care is provided to suit you. If you require equipment, we can recommend items which meet your needs, but you can also choose to buy a more expensive model and top up any additional costs yourself.

Community services are working together with the Penderels Trust who offers support and advice on managing your direct payments. They also have a network of people who are already receiving these payments who can provide you with additional guidance.

For those individuals who would not be able to manage a direct payment on their own, there is now an option to nominate an agent or set up a trust. An agent would be someone close to you who would help you with the day-to-day running of a direct payment. A trust is where 3 or more individuals would legally become trustees in order to manage the direct payment on your behalf. You can obtain more information on trusts by downloading our leaflet "setting up a trust fund for direct payments" or by emailing direct.payments@coventry.gov.uk

Useful links

Penderels Trust
Direct payments – useful contact details
Feedback and comments

You can obtain more information by following the links above, or you can download a copy of the "direct payments - a guide to choosing and controlling your care support at home" leaflet below. There is also a guide for older people who wish to use agency staff with direct payments money called "direct payments – a guide for older people".

For individuals already receiving direct payments, you can download our "direct payments and quarterly returns – a step by step guide" leaflet to assist with the financial monitoring of your account.

If you require any of these leaflets in a different format, please contact Maxine Shakespeare on 024 7683 3410 or e-mail direct.payments@coventry.gov.uk

Tell us what you think

We like to have feedback from our service users. If you have any general comments or feedback, please contact your social worker or e-mail Please e-mail your feedback to: ss.ccc.team@coventry.gov.uk, contact your nearest social services office or use the contact details below. For a copy of this or any of the other leaflets on this page, or any general direct payments enquiries please use the contact details at the bottom of this page

Contact details

Maxine Shakespeare
Independent Living Officer
Telephone: 024 7683 3410
e-mail: direct.payments@coventry.gov.uk

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