Carer's direct payments?

[AutisticLegoLover]

Does anyone know how these work and how much they are usually for? I'm awaiting an assessment because I'm a full-time carer for my mum and struggling at times with the demands of my caring role and looking after my dc The council just said they'd add me to the list for an assessment but I've no idea how long the wait is or what practical or financial support will be available.
TIA. .

Hi OP, it sounds like things are very difficult for you at the moment and I'm sorry to hear that. Is it this your council is referring to:

www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/practical-support/arranging-care-and-support-for-someone/direct-payments/

Do you have a local carers centre you can go to for support? In Scotland (where I am) there is supposed to be at least one in every local authority area but I'm not sure of the set up where you are? A carers centre should be able to give emotional as well as practical support, for example making sure you have all the funds coming into the house you are entitled to (eg Carers Allowance).

In my local authority it's usually a small annual lump sum (e.g £250) to support the carer in their caring role - it might perhaps be e.g to pay for some cleaning/laundry to give you a break, some people use it to have a couple of massages or a night away.

it's completely separate to any formal paid care or respite provided for the cared for person and you can get it even if they don't have any paid care. It's awarded if it's something that might be identified as beneficial when you complete your carers assessment.

every local authority does things differently though.

Thank you. I generally do ok but sometimes I hit a wall and I just can't do it anymore. I'm autistic with an autistic teen and it's tough going sometimes. I am hoping that I can get some respite every now and again.

In my local authority, direct payments are capped at £20.30 per hour. In addition, there’s a financial assessment to assess mum’s “contribution” to her care costs.

We’re paying approx £350 a week for 3 daily care visits & get approx £280 a week in direct payments. We get approx £90 a week attendance allowance which tops this up and also goes towards a cleaner.

I think what you are talking about is a normal direct payment for day to day care.

the OP is asking about carers direct payments which is something slightly different.

If the OP is actually asking about getting some respite then that is different again. In my local authority the default for respite is 28 nights per year. You can have that 'pre funded' e.g you book in your 28 nights over the year with a specific care home, or you can have the equivalent cost of 28 nights in a care home paid as a direct payment which you can use however you wish to get some respite.