Having a Direct Payment You can receive your Direct Payment funds in different ways. Direct Payment Online Account (DPOA) This is a simple way for the Council to pay you the Direct Payment you receive to meet your care needs. The online account provides a safe way to handle funds, and in an emergency, funds can be added almost instantly. Oxfordshire County Council will set up the account for you and you will be issued with a payments card that you can use to purchase your care. Self-Managed Account Your Direct Payment will be paid into a dedicated bank account which must only be used to pay bills relating to your care and support. This account can be a standard current account with online banking facilities and a debit card. You or your representative can access this account. If a nominated person manages your funds, they can open a bank account in their name. You, or the person representing you, will need to account for every payment made and send bank statements to show how you have spent the money.
Managed Account Service An organisation can hold your Direct Payment for you and pay care bills on your behalf. Considering a Direct Payment? If you would like to find out more about Direct Payments or to discuss which option might be best for you, please contact our Direct Payments Team on 01865 898989 and speak to one of our Advisors, or email the team at Directpaymentadvice@ oxfordshire.gov.uk Oxfordshire County Council’s Approved Provider List The Approved Provider List includes Providers offering support specific to Managed Accounts, Payroll and Recruitment Support for you to purchase to help you to meet your support needs; the cost of which will be included in your agreed personal budget amount. You can access the Approved Provider List at www. oxfordshire.gov.uk/direct-payments-approved-list
Looking after someone Caring will touch us all at some point in our lives. At any one time in Oxfordshire, over 60,000 people are providing unpaid care for a family member, friend or neighbour. As a carer, you can face new challenges, so it is very important that you take time to look after yourself while you are caring for someone else.
you the chance to say what you need as a carer, and to find out what support might be available to help you to continue in your caring role while still being able to pursue your own interests or lifestyle. Your physical and emotional wellbeing and quality of life are at the heart of the assessment.
You may not see yourself as a ‘carer’ – you see yourself as a son, daughter, partner, friend or neighbour. But if you regularly support and care for someone who could not manage without you then you are a carer and there is help available to support you to carry on with this vital work and consider your own wellbeing.
Your Carers’ Assessment will result in a personalised support plan that considers your own needs and will give you information about services available, and other ideas for supporting you in your caring role. You can also talk to a specialist carer support worker. See page 16.
If you provide unpaid support to someone who could not manage without your help, the law says you have the right to have your own needs assessed, even if the person you care for has refused support services or an assessment of their own needs. This assessment, called a ‘Carers’ Assessment’, gives
To find more information about care and support services visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/livewell
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