Money for young people needing additional support

 

Direct Payments

What is a Direct Payment?

 Some young people with a disability need help and support from health and social careChildren’s Services (social services).  Direct Payments are a way of getting this help. Instead of health and social careChildren’s Services providing what you need, they give you or your parents the money and you arrange the services yourselves. This gives you more choice and control over the support and help you need.

What can you use a Direct Payment for?

 A Direct Payment can be used for all or part of the support you need. The kinds of services you may buy with a direct payment are:

  • Individual help from a support worker to go out or in your home.
  • Respite care when you stay away from home to give your carers/parents a break.
  • Support workers to live-in and provide support to help you live independently.
  • Who can get a Direct Payment?
  • If you are under 16, your parents can ask for a Direct Payment.
  • If you are aged 16 or over, you can ask your social worker for a Direct Payment. 
  • Your social worker will talk with you to find out if you need help and support. (This is called making an assessment of your need).
  • You will need to come to an agreement about how you will manage the money. You can get help with managing the money.
  • You can get a Direct Payment for part of the support that you need and ask health and social careChildren’s Services (Social Services) to provide the rest. This is a good way of getting used to managing a Direct Payment.

 

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

 

If you have mobility needs or care needs (you need someone to help you with day to day living), you may be able to claim Disability Living Allowance. 

It is available if you have needed help for at least 3 months because of severe physical or mental illness or disability and you are likely to need help for at least another 6 months.

The amount you can get will depend on your particular circumstances.

Contact your local Benefits Agency/Jobcentre Plus.

 

Tax Credit (disability)

You may be able to get Tax Credit (disability), if you:

  • have an illness or disability which puts you at a disadvantage in getting a job; and
  • are restricted in the type of work, number of hours or amount you can earn because of your illness or disability.