What is Option 1 Direct Payment?

This is money that is paid directly to you so that you can direct your own support. Support you need to meet your agreed outcomes. You can use this payment to choose and control your support, you can directly employ a personal assistant (become the employer) or buy services directly from a provider of your choice.

Pro’s:

• You have much more control over how your assessed needs are met;
• You have much more control over how your individual budget is spent;
• You can recruit your own staff, meaning that you can be supported by the person(s) you choose;

Con’s:

• You need to manage the monies and the staff yourself (or with the help of a support organisation);
• You take on the duties and responsibilities of being an employer;
• You are accountable for how your Direct Payment is spent.

Supports:

• The good news is that you don’t need to do all this by yourself. Organisations such as SPAEN can support you to take on the role of “employer”, leaving you to lead YOUR life YOUR way.

For FREE and impartial advice, please call us on 0845 601 1156, alternatively you can email: info@spaen.co.uk

If this is not the service for you why not try one of the other options below.