Personal budgets and direct payments in Ealing
How eligible adult social care support can be arranged more flexibly, and why the needs and financial assessments both matter.
What is it?
After Ealing assesses eligible care and support needs, the costed plan may be described as a personal budget. A direct payment can give the person more control over arranging agreed support. Social care is not automatically free, so a financial assessment may set a weekly contribution.
Who may qualify?
First the council decides whether the adult has eligible care and support needs. The care plan and personal budget follow that assessment. Whether a direct payment is suitable and any contribution depends on the person’s circumstances and the current council process.
What to do next
Request or review the Care Act needs assessment. Ask for the written care and support plan, the personal budget calculation and the direct-payment option. During the financial assessment, report disability-related expenditure and keep evidence of essential extra costs. Ask how the payment will be managed and monitored before agreeing.
What if there is a refusal or problem?
Ask for the assessment, eligible-needs decision, budget calculation and reasons in writing. If needs, disability-related costs or the proposed plan are missing, request a review and use the adult social care complaints process if unresolved.