Care and support

Can I use “direct payment” money to pay for respite residential care?

Yes, up to certain limits.

Gross rates for Direct Payments 2008/09

• Respite care (for people over 65) £491.21 per week
• Respite care (for people under 65) £575.31 per week

A direct payment is a cash payment from the Local Authority to enable people to purchase part or all of their own services from the various options available, giving more choice, greater flexibility and more control over the support received. You may be entitled to a direct payment if you are currently receiving or have been assessed by Adult Care Services as needing support with daily living. You must be aged 16 or over, and be willing and able to manage money (with help if needed).

In the initial stages you can receive help from the support agency that Hertfordshire County Council fund, which is Leonard Cheshire Direct Payments Support Scheme on 01462 439000
If you are already receiving services from the county council contact your social worker or your local Adult Care Services team to discuss applying for direct payments. If you don’t receive care services but think you should, contact Adult Care Services on 01438 737400, or 01923 471400 if you are calling form an 01923 or 0208 area code, for an assessment and mention that you are interested in receiving direct payments.