Direct Payments - What happens if my circumstances change?

Your case worker should review your assessment at least annually.  This will provide you with a regular check on how well your arrangements are meeting your needs.  However, if at any time, you feel your circumstances have changed; you should contact your case worker to request another assessment.

You may find that your costs have increased and the Direct Payment is no longer adequate to meet your needs or that you are spending less than you expected.  In these circumstances, you should contact your case worker.  

The Direct Payment Advice and Support Service can help you with changes to your costings.  Any requests for increases to Direct Payments will need to be discussed with your case worker.

Although your case worker will retain responsibility to ensure that your assessed needs are met, Direct Payments do give you more independence and control.  You should make sure that your plans enable you to meet your needs and control your services as far as is possible.  For example, you should have contingency arrangements in place in case your usual carers are unable to provide you with care.  You should also plan to have sufficient money in your account to pay additional costs of agencies during bank holidays.

The Direct Payment Advice and Support Service can help you to ensure your arrangements are as comprehensive as possible.  They can also provide you with practical support to help you manage your care arrangements, for example, with payroll for any staff you employ.