what are direct payments?

[chocjunkie]

I keep reading about direct payments on here? what are they? who qualifies?

TIA

Apologies if I get this wrong but if you are entitled to respite you can get the money put into a special account so you can choose a carer who you and your child are comfortable with and pay them yourself with the money. It means you get more control over your respite but you have to sort out the tax yourself as well.

Benefits are so confusing - who is entitled to respite?

that would have been my next question as well, poopy!

It really depends on your local social services. Try requesting that they assess you and your child. We get five hours a week and use it for carers to take my daughter out. The local council do the payslip and ell you how much tax to pay. Good luck, it's worth trying to get it.