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Direct Payments
Under the Community Care (Direct Payments) Act, Social Work are able to make direct payments to people who are assessed as eligible for Community Care services to allow them to buy their own services, rather than receiving them from the Social Work Service. With effect from June 2003, people will be able to use their direct payments to buy services they receive from any local authority. This will help people who are happy with the services they receive from their local authority but would like more control over the delivery of those services.
You may be eligible for a Direct Payment if:
• You are given a high or medium priority and are assessed as eligible for Community Care services
• You are over 16
• You wish to have a direct payment and Social Work have assessed you as able to deal with it with help from others if this is needed
There are a number of rules about how you may use direct payments, who you may buy services from and how you must account for any direct payments you receive. If you need it, we can arrange for help with all these tasks.
Your Social Worker can tell you more about direct payments and will discuss all the requirements with you to help you to consider whether this is a suitable option for you. Not everyone is eligible for a direct payment. If we are not able to consider you for a direct payment, we will tell you why.
Please note: From June 2003
Where it is clear that the person requiring the service is unable to give consent, representatives, for example parents or guardians, will be able to consent to, receive and alter direct payments on behalf of that person. This will help make direct payments available to people who are clearly, even with assistance, unable to give the required consent themselves.
For more information contact
Rhona McCallum, Team Manager- Direct PaymentsTel: 08451 55 55 55 + Ext 46 07 07 Contact Rhona McCallum online
By Post: Fife Council, Talbot Cottage, Station Road, Leven, KY8 4QU
Direct Payments Support Service is available at
- Leven