Paying for care can be hugely daunting, but there’s help out there. If you’re based in or around Hertfordshire and looking for clear, useful information about adult social care direct payments, you don’t have to manage the care planning and payments alone. This helpful guide explains how direct payments work in Hertfordshire, who may be eligible, and how they can give you or your loved one greater choice and control over the home care services you receive.
What Are Adult Social Care Direct Payments?
Direct payments give you greater control over your care by providing funds from local authority, such as Hertfordshire County Council, to help cover eligible care and support needs. They’re typically offered after a care needs assessment, which determines the type and level of support you may require.
Your personal budget is the amount your local authority allocates towards your eligible care needs, while a direct payment is one way you can receive and manage that budget yourself. To learn more, read our guide on how direct payments for care at home work.
How Do Direct Payments Work in Hertfordshire?
The process starts with a care needs assessment by Hertfordshire County Council.
Once your needs have been assessed, the council will determine the cost of your eligible care and whether you need to pay towards it. They’ll also confirm whether you’re eligible to receive direct payments.
If you’re eligible, you can use your direct payment to choose the support that works best for you and arrange your care directly, with guidance available if you need it.
Your direct payment, including any contribution you’re required to make, can be managed through a direct payment account card. The funds must only be used for care and support that meet the outcomes agreed with adult care services as part of your assessment.
Who Can Receive Direct Payments in Hertfordshire?
Adults with eligible care and support needs may be offered direct payments following a care needs assessment. They may also be available to people who already receive council-arranged care but would prefer greater choice and control over how their support is organised.
If someone is unable to manage their payments themselves, a suitable person, such as a family member or representative, may sometimes manage them on their behalf.
Payment for Carers
Adult social care direct payments are separate from carers’ direct payments, which are designed to support unpaid carers. If you provide unpaid care for someone, you can request a separate carer’s assessment through Hertfordshire County Council to understand what support you may be entitled to.
What Can Hertfordshire Direct Payments Be Used For?
Direct payments can give families greater flexibility when arranging care at home. Depending on the agreed care plan, the funding may be used to pay a home care agency, employ a personal assistant, purchase approved care equipment, or arrange other support that helps the person achieve the outcomes identified in their care plan.
However, direct payments are not general-purpose funds and cannot be used freely on services or items unrelated to the person’s assessed care needs. If you’re unsure whether a particular expense is covered by your plan, check with your social care worker before committing to it.
Other Ways To Pay For Care
Depending on your circumstances and eligibility, care at home may be funded or paid for in several ways:
- Self-funding – Paying for your care privately using your own income, savings or other assets.
- Council-arranged care – Your local authority may arrange and fund eligible care services on your behalf, subject to a financial assessment and any contribution you may need to make.
- Direct Payments – Receiving funding from your local authority so you can have greater choice and control over arranging your eligible care and support.
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) – In some cases, the NHS may fully fund care for people who meet the eligibility criteria for a primary health need.
- NHS-funded Nursing Care (FNC) – The NHS may contribute towards the cost of nursing care provided by a registered nurse in an eligible care setting.
- Benefits and allowances – Depending on your circumstances, benefits such as Attendance Allowance may help with additional costs associated with care needs.
- A combination of funding – Some people may use a combination of local authority funding, NHS funding, benefits and their own contribution to meet their care costs.
Where Can Hertfordshire Families Get Help?
For questions about your eligibility, care assessment or Direct Payments, you can contact Hertfordshire County Council Adult Care Services on 0300 123 4042. The Hertfordshire Direct Payment Support Service can provide free, independent practical advice on setting up and managing your payments, finding suitable support and employing a personal assistant.
If you’re considering care through an agency, speak with At Home Care to understand how our care services could work alongside your agreed direct payment and care plan.
Home Care in Hertfordshire
Direct payments can give individuals and families greater choice and control over arranging care at home in Hertfordshire. While Hertfordshire County Council determines eligibility and funding, you can choose how your agreed support is arranged. If you’re considering home care, contact At Home Care to discuss your needs and how our services could support you.
Frequently Asked Questions from Hertfordshire Families
How do I apply for adult social care direct payments in Hertfordshire?
You’ll need a care needs assessment through Hertfordshire County Council Adult Care Services, which will determine your eligible needs and whether you can receive direct payments.
Can I use direct payments to pay a home care agency?
Yes, if agency care is included in your agreed care plan, direct payments can be used to pay an approved home care provider.
Can a family member manage direct payments on someone else’s behalf?
Yes. In some circumstances, a suitable family member or representative can manage direct payments for someone who cannot manage them independently.
Do I have to contribute towards the cost of my care?
You may need to contribute towards your care costs, depending on your financial assessment. The council will let you know how much you may need to pay.
Can I switch from council-arranged care to direct payments?
Yes. If you already receive council-arranged care, you can ask Hertfordshire County Council Adult Services on 0300 123 4042 whether direct payments are suitable for you.
What is the Hertfordshire direct payment account card?
It is a card used to manage and spend your direct payment on agreed care and support. It helps you keep track of payments and eligible care costs.
What happens if my chosen care costs more than my direct payment?
You may need to pay the difference yourself, depending on your circumstances and the arrangements agreed with the council. Speak with your social care worker before committing to higher costs.
