Is self-directed support and personal budgets just direct payments in another name?
A personal budget is how much money you are eligible to receive to pay for your support based on new system called self-directed support. A personal budget is calculated based on an assessment of your needs and direct payments are just one way in which people can be given their personal budget. Self-directed support and personal budgets will give people the option of using their social care money more flexibly than has been possible with traditional direct payments, as there are fewer restrictions on how it can be used. Some people may also choose to continue to receive the traditional type of direct payment, based on the costs of a specific service. Self-directed support and personal budgets are a new way to provide services and support. This is a big change and is now being introduced in Northumberland in stages. People who have not received social care are the first people to be offered a personal budget but this will be available to everyone eligible for social care support from Ap
