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Thursday, 5 November 2009
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Money, tax and benefits
The difference between Direct Payment and 'direct payments'
Direct Payment of benefits and pensions is different from 'direct payments' from your local council.
Direct Payment - pensions and benefits
If you receive benefits or state pensions your money will normally be paid directly into a bank or building society account. This is the safest way to pay you and lets you choose how and when you get your money.
Direct payments - arranging your own care and services
If you qualify for help from social services following an assessment, you can choose to receive payments from them (called 'direct payments') to buy the services you need to meet your needs. This is instead of receiving the services direct from your local council.
Direct payments can be made to:
- disabled people aged 16 or over (with short or long-term needs)
- disabled parents for children's services
- carers aged 16 or over (including people with parental responsibility for a disabled child)
- elderly people who need community care services
More useful links
In this section...
- How to claim benefit
- Understanding the benefits system
- Changes that affect your benefit
- How benefits and State Pensions are paid
- How to find out if you qualify for benefits
- What to do if your benefit is overpaid
- Applying for a National Insurance number
- How to appeal against a benefits decision
- Claiming benefits in Europe
