Direct payments

[Mitchell81]

Anyone getting them.

What can the money be used for? How much do SS normally pay per hour?

[Mitchell81]

Thanks Fio, Does the person have to look after your child, or can you pay a cleaner to clean the house.
Expecting DC no. 3 in May and am thinking maybe I will need some help, but DD is so easy and wouldn't want respite, just help around the house or someone to play with kids whilst I sort baby out.

[yurt1]

Mine don't pay that much per hour but I probably don't pay my PA's as much.

The're very flexible. I use mine for another pair of hands, for respite for ds1 and for ds2 and ds2's before and after school club (that they have to attend to allow me to meet ds1's bus).m

[yurt1]

Yes you can pay for a cleaner as long as they're not a family member.

[Mitchell81]

Thanks for that, I wanted to know before I went and asked SS. Might give them a call tommorrow. Do you know if it is means tested?

[Davros]

I have been getting them for some years. I use them for anything that helps the family - looking after sibling, cleaning/ironing, looking after or taking out DS etc. You should have a local organisation that will offer all the support you need independently of the local authority. They will help you with info and the admin which can be a pain.