Direct Payments

Your council may contribute towards home care, with Direct Payments, the council will pay you directly, allowing you to arrange your own care.

Why choose Direct Payments?

• Flexibility: Direct Payments allow you to have full control of your care. You are able to have full control over when care is provided, this helps to promote individuality and a better balance. With council-provided care, availability will be less flexible.

• Consistency: Direct Payments allow you and the carers you wish to have provided. With council-administered care, you will be provided with the carer who is deemed 'most suitable'.

• Transparency: With Direct Payments, you can clearly see where the money is going, giving you peace of mind that every penny is going towards your care and not admin/management fees.

Setting up Direct Payments

Setting up Direct Payments is a straightforward process, but feel free to call your local AMG branch for support and advice.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Direct Payments

1. Apply for a Care Needs Assessment
Visit the GOV.UK website and go to the “Apply for a needs assessment by social services” page.

2. Find Your Local Council
Enter your postcode and click “Find your local council.”
You will then be directed to your council’s webpage via the green button provided.

3. Complete a Self-Assessment (if available)
Many councils offer an online self-assessment form.
This will ask questions about your daily needs and the type of support you may require.

4. Attend a Full Care Assessment
If your initial assessment is accepted, a representative will usually visit you to carry out a more detailed evaluation of your care needs.
This helps ensure you receive the most appropriate support.

5. Undergo a Financial Assessment
After your care assessment, a financial assessor will contact you to review your financial situation.
This determines how much funding you are eligible to receive.

6. Receive Your Personal Budget
Once both assessments are complete, you will be informed of the amount allocated towards your care.

7. Choose Direct Payments
You can then opt to arrange your own care and receive Direct Payments, giving you more control over how your support is delivered.

Once Approved

When you have been approved for Direct Payments, you can either hire someone yourself or contact an agency such as AMG Nursing & Care Services. We can provide you with the benefits of managing your own care, without the headache involved with essentially running your own business. We will take out the stress and still provide you with all the benefits including, flexibility, consistency and transparency.