Over 2,000 people are using direct payments in Essex, this includes; people with learning difficulties, mental health problems, older people, and people with a physical and/or sensory impairment, carers, and people with parental responsibility for disabled children. Arranging and managing your own care can bring with it choice, flexibility independence and control.

What are Direct Payments?
Direct Payments are cash payments made to an individual instead of a community care service giving a person choice to buy and arrange their own support.

Who can receive Direct Payments?
Direct Payments can be made regardless of age. For people under 16 these payments are made to an adult who has parental responsibility. People can also use direct payments to manage services they have as carers.

What can you buy with a Direct Payment?
You can use your Direct Payment to purchase and arrange your support in any way you choose, you may decide to employ your own Personal Assistant; you are not able to employ a relative living in your home or other people living in your home, unless there are exceptional circumstances. Direct payments can also be made for day care or short breaks but not for permanent residential care, or services purchased directly from Essex County Council.

What support is available?
Independent Living Advocacy Ltd (ILA Essex) provides independent support and advice to all Direct Payment users in Essex in the following areas:
-Assisting with the advertising and recruitment process of employing a Personal Assistant
-Liaison with Care Agencies
-Compiling job descriptions and contracts of employment
-Delivering advice on relevant aspects of Employment Law, payment of wages, Tax and National Insurance contributions, and Employers Liability Insurance.

If you require further information, contact ILA Essex for an information pack on 01245 380888 or see their website at www.ilaessex.com

Self Directed Support Service (SDSS) is a team working within the Coalition of Disabled People (ECDP). SDSS provides an independent telephone support service on all aspects of purchasing support and care services direct from an agency, including hourly rates, CQC registered agencies - click here.

If you require further information, contact SDSS:
Telephone: 01245 39231
Textphone: 01245 392302
FAX: 01245 392329
Postal address: Ivan Peck House, 1 Russell Way, Chelmsford, CM1 3AA Essex Personal

Essex Personal Assistant Support Scheme (Essex PASS) is a team working within the Essex Coalition of Disabled People. Essex PASS provides:
-A payroll service
-A Personal Assistant register
-Employee and employer training
-CRB checks
If you require further information, contact Essex PASS:
Telephone: 01245 392320
Textphone: 01245 392302
FAX: 01245 392329
Or visit their website at ECDP

Direct Payment Users Network (DPUN)
DPUN is a peer support group providing independent advice, information and support delivered by people who are users of direct payments; some having 10 years experience or more, of the knowledge and issues relating to purchasing support services directly, and/or employing a personal assistant. If you require further information, contact the DPUN:
Telephone: 01245 382288
Email: enquiries@dpun.org.uk
Postal address: DPUN, Unit 12, Terling Road, Hatfield Peveral, CM3 2AG
Or visit their website at DPUN

If you would like more information about Direct Payments, or would like to know if you may be eligible to receive a direct payment please contact the Essex Contact Centre by calling: 0845 603 7630.