Direct payments
A direct payment is money from Cumberland Council that helps you meet your care and support needs in a way that suits you. It gives you more flexibility and control, because you can arrange services yourself.
Who can get direct payments
You may be able to get a direct payment if you:
- have been assessed as eligible for support or equipment
- are a carer who has been assessed as needing support
- are able to have a say in how your needs are met
How to get direct payments
To get a direct payment, you must first have an Adult Social Care needs assessment.
If you are eligible, a practitioner will support you to set up your direct payment and you will receive a payment card to pay for your agreed support.
A Community Finance Officer will tell you if you need to contribute towards your support. You will know this before your direct payments begin.
If you decide to use a direct payment, you will work with your practitioner to create a support plan that explains how your needs will be met. Your plan will also include contingency arrangements in case of emergencies.
Direct payments do not affect your benefit entitlement or income tax because they are not counted as income. However, they may affect the benefits of someone you pay for support.