Key Information

Direct payments and personal budgets give you control over your care funding in Sandwell. This comprehensive guide covers eligibility, applications, and using your budget effectively for home care services.

What Are Direct Payments and Personal Budgets?

Direct payments are cash payments made by Sandwell Council directly to you (or someone acting on your behalf) instead of the council arranging care services for you. This gives you the freedom to purchase the care and support that best meets your needs.

A personal budget is the amount of money that Sandwell Council allocates for your care and support needs. You can choose to take this as:

Direct payments (cash)
Council-arranged services
A combination of both

Eligibility for Direct Payments in Sandwell

You may be eligible for direct payments in Sandwell if you:

Have been assessed as having eligible care and support needs
Are able to manage direct payments (with support if needed)
Are willing to manage the responsibilities that come with direct payments
Live in Sandwell or the council has a duty to meet your needs

Who Can Receive Direct Payments?

Adults with care and support needs
Carers who are eligible for support
Children with disabilities and their families
People with mental capacity or suitable representatives

How Much Will You Receive?

Your personal budget amount depends on several factors assessed by Sandwell Council:

Care needs assessment: Identifies your eligible needs
Financial assessment: Determines your contribution
Support planning: Calculates the budget required
Review process: Ensures the budget meets your needs

Application Process in Sandwell

Step 1: Care Needs Assessment

Contact Sandwell Council's Adult Social Care team to request a care needs assessment. This can be done:

Online through Sandwell Council website
By phone: 0121 569 2266
Through your GP or hospital discharge team

Step 2: Financial Assessment

If you have eligible care needs, you'll receive a financial assessment to determine:

Your contribution towards care costs
The amount the council will contribute
Your total personal budget

Step 3: Support Planning

Work with a social worker or support planner to:

Identify how you want to meet your care needs
Create a support plan
Decide on direct payments or council services

Step 4: Direct Payment Agreement

If you choose direct payments, you'll sign an agreement outlining:

Your responsibilities
How to use the payments
Reporting requirements
Review arrangements

Using Your Direct Payments

What You Can Buy

Personal care services: Help with washing, dressing, medication
Domiciliary care: Support in your own home
Day services: Activities and social opportunities
Respite care: Short breaks for you and your family
Equipment and adaptations: Aids for daily living
Transport: Getting to appointments and activities

What You Cannot Buy

Permanent residential care
NHS healthcare services
Services for other family members
Gambling, alcohol, or tobacco
Debt repayments

Important Responsibilities

Keep receipts and records of all spending
Only use payments for agreed care and support
Submit monitoring reports as required
Inform the council of any changes in circumstances
Ensure all care workers are properly employed and insured

Employing Care Workers

Many people use direct payments to employ personal assistants. You'll need to:

Recruit safely: DBS checks, references, interviews
Meet legal requirements: Contracts, insurance, tax obligations
Provide training: Ensure workers understand your needs
Manage payroll: PAYE, National Insurance, pensions

Support Available

Sandwell Council can provide support through:

Payroll services
DBS checking services
Training for personal assistants
Ongoing advice and guidance

Alternative Care Providers in Sandwell

You can also use direct payments to purchase services from:

Registered care agencies: Like Everyday Care Plus
Self-employed carers: Individual care professionals
Community organizations: Day centers, support groups
Specialist services: Autism support, dementia care

Monitoring and Reviews

Regular Monitoring

Sandwell Council will monitor your direct payments through:

Quarterly spending reports
Annual reviews of your care needs
Spot checks if concerns arise
Support plan reviews

Annual Reviews

Your care needs and personal budget will be reviewed annually to ensure:

Your needs are still being met
The budget amount is appropriate
You're satisfied with your care arrangements
Any changes in circumstances are addressed

Benefits of Direct Payments

Control & Choice

Choose your own care workers
Decide when care is provided
Control how your needs are met

Flexibility

Adapt care to your routine
Change services as needs evolve
Combine different types of support

Getting Help and Support

Sandwell Council Contacts

Adult Social Care: 0121 569 2266
Direct Payments Team: 0121 569 4444
Email: adultsocialcare@sandwell.gov.uk
Website: www.sandwell.gov.uk/adultsocialcare

Independent Support

Citizens Advice Sandwell: 0344 411 1444
Carers Trust: Support for carers
Age UK Sandwell: 0121 500 7690

Need Professional Home Care in Sandwell?

Everyday Care Plus accepts direct payments and can help you make the most of your personal budget for quality domiciliary care.

Conclusion

Direct payments and personal budgets offer valuable flexibility and control over your care arrangements in Sandwell. While there are responsibilities involved, the benefits of choosing your own care and support can significantly improve your quality of life.

If you're considering direct payments, contact Sandwell Council for an assessment, and don't hesitate to seek support from experienced care providers like Everyday Care Plus who understand how to work with personal budgets effectively.

Direct Payments & Personal Budgets in Sandwell: Complete Guide