Living Life Independently
Community Care and Direct Payments
Community Care legislation gives us access to services that enable us “to live an independent and dignified life at home, or elsewhere within the community”. Previously, all services had to be provided or arranged by the local authority. Following a community care assessment, including a financial assessment, it is now possible for Social Services to provide money to employ personal assistants or buy in services ourselves through a Direct Payment Scheme.
- The offer of Direct Payments is now mandatory to all eligible client groups.
If you do choose Direct Payments but find it hard to manage, there are support agencies. They will be able to answer queries that you may have, and give guidance on how you will be able to manage. If you still feel that Direct Payments are not working for you, you can always change your mind. Check with your Social Services.
Where can I find more information?There maybe an Independent Living Scheme in your area. Contact Disability Wales and we will put you in touch with your local organisation. If there isn’t one, we may be able to put you in touch with other disabled people in your area or a Disability Network. We have produced a manual on how to set up an Independent Living Scheme. Get in touch and we will see what we can do to help.
What is a Centre for Independent Living?
In some areas CILs have been set up to assist disabled people to manage their Direct Payments. They are often run by disabled, for disabled people. They can offer a range of services including:
- Payroll management
- Finding Personal Assistants
- Support and advice
- Benefits information
- Housing
As well as CILs run by disabled people, a number of local authorities in Wales have bought in services run by management agencies.
List of contacts in Wales
Organisations run by disabled people for disabled people
Others