Personal budgets give people who need social care and support more choice and control. They can help you achieve the things that are most important to you in your life.
If you are over 18, live in the borough, and have been assessed as eligible for care and support, this could be delivered through a personal budget.
The budget can be used in many ways, and with the money you can:
- choose the type of support you need
- who will provide it
- how the support will be provided
If we can help, we will:
- calculate the amount of money we can give you towards your care and support - this is your personal budget
- ask you to create a plan showing us how you will use the money
- help you write the plan, or you can ask a friend
We will look at the finished plan and agree the final amount you will receive.
The money should help you to:
- look after yourself
- become or remain mobile
- keep safe
- manage everyday tasks
- access work or learning
How much you need to pay
You will need to complete a financial assessment to see if you need to contribute towards your personal budget.
How much you pay will depend on:
- how much money you have coming in
- any savings you have
- and your financial situation
We can also arrange a benefits check. This advice is free.
Your contribution is calculated using our charging policy.
If you must pay towards part of the budget, the final amount will include your contribution and ours.
Managing your personal budget
Once you receive your personal budget you will need to decide how to manage it. You could:
Choose to receive your personal budget as a direct payment to arrange and pay for your own support. If you choose this option, we will provide you with a prepaid card which we will pay your allocated funds on to. If you are paying towards the cost of your care you must also pay the agreed amount onto the prepaid card to use to pay for services.
You will need to sign a direct payment agreement that sets out what the money can and cannot be spent on. You can then start to organise your own support.
- Choose not to receive a direct payment and opt for a service organised by us instead. We will ensure you receive the support agreed in your support plan.
For further information, go to Direct Payments for Social Care.