10: Managing direct payments paperwork

A: So I know I need to report back to social services about how I’ve spent my direct payments. But I’m a bit confused about what I need to do and what support I might need to do it.

B: Don’t worry it, I’ll try and explain it step by step. Firstly you’ll need to find out what support services there are for direct payments users. You will need to think about whether you want to use some of those services and if they are free of charge or not. If you will need to pay for some services, you will need to make sure that your direct payment includes these costs.

A: Can you tell me a bit more about direct payments support services?

B: Well, each council should have set up or funded a local direct payments support service. They are there to help direct payments users like you to successfully use and manage their direct payments. They vary in the kinds of support they can offer.

A: So are they the only choice for support?

B: There are some national organisations that support direct payments users, especially with payroll. You may be able to use them, but you will need to make sure your direct payment covers this particular cost.

A: Can I just have the direct payment paid into my bank account?

B: No you’ll need to open a separate bank account for your direct payments.

A: What even if I just receive a one-off direct payment for equipment?

B: No sorry, if you are just getting a one-off direct payment, you shouldn’t have to open another bank account only for that.

A: Phew! But if I decide to receive a regular direct payment, when will the council pay it in for me? 

B: It varies. You may receive monthly, quarterly or even yearly payments in advance. Whatever system your council uses, they should ensure that you have the money in time to pay for services you use.

A: What if I have some left over money. Will the council take it back?

B: If you have money left at the end of the financial year, which is the end of March, your council will be able to take it back. 

A: But what if I just don’t spend all my direct payments within a certain month or quarter? Can I carry it over?

B: Well each council seems to try to have different rules about this. The Department of Health guidance is clear that it is only at the end of the financial year when councils should really be concerned about unspent money. But some councils may insist you spend money within tighter timeframes. 

A: But isn’t that the idea behind direct payments, that I should be able to spend money flexibly?

B: Quite, so you should challenge your council if they are saying you need to spend the money by a certain time (other than by the end of the financial year).

A: I have a friend who uses a Braille display for his computer. Do you think the paperwork is accessible to him?

B: Well councils and direct payments support services have a duty to make information accessible. Your friend will need to make sure that others are aware of their access needs but councils should take action to make sure that information is accessible.