Direct Payments

A direct payment is money paid to someone who has been assessed as needing a community care service. Following an assessment of need the Council can make a cash payment rather than arranging the service you have been assessed as needing.

Direct Payments allows someone more responsibility for the decisions that effect their life, giving more choice and control as the cash payment can then be used to purchase a range of services such as:

  • payment for a personal carer or a homecare service of your choice
  • payment for daytime activities
  • payment for respite or short breaks
  • equipment and adaptations

Direct Payments do not affect your benefits. However, please remember that Direct Payments can only be used to meet your assessed needs.

To be eligible you must be one of the following:

  • A disabled adult above the age of 16; this may include people with physical, including sensory, disabilities, learning disabilities and people disabled through illness (for example through mental illness, arthritis or HIV/Aids)
  • A disabled parent with parental responsibilities
  • A parent with parental responsibilities for a disabled child
  • A disabled person (including children), to purchase housing support services
  • An attorney or guardian with relevant powers to receive a direct payment on behalf of a disabled person
  • A disabled person aged 65 or above who may request a direct payment to cover personal care at home

AND must be ALL of the following:

  • assessed as needing a community care service
  • assessed as being able to manage a direct payment or to do so with assistance
  • willing to receive a direct payment

If you are already in contact with a social worker or care manager you can contact them for further details.  Alternatively the East Dunbartonshire Direct Payments Support Service (EDDPSS) can also provide you with independent advice on direct payments.  You can ask Carers Link to make a referral or contact EDDPSS directly at:

East Dunbartonshire Direct Payment Support Services
Enterprise House
Southbank Business Park
Kirkintilloch G66 1XQ
Tel: 0141 776 2219 or 0141 776 6342
Email: direct.payments@eddpss.co.uk

Website: www.eddpss.co.uk