Adult Social Services - Support Plans and Personal Budgets (WNC)

An assessment from adult social services might show that you are eligible for care and support. If you're eligible, West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) will tell you how much money you could get to pay for the care and support you need.

Personal Budget

This money is called a Personal Budget and is an indicative amount until your support plan has been completed.

You will know up-front (and early) what your indicative budget will likely be. This is so you can begin to plan and choose how your care and support needs can be met (with help if needed).

​Your Personal Budget can be paid directly to you via a pre-paid card (a Direct Payment) or managed by the council (on your behalf).

• Pre-Paid Card FAQs (PDF 384KB)

Who is Eligible?

Personal Budgets are available for anyone over 18 who is assessed as eligible for adult social services support. If you are a carer, this will not affect your carer's eligibility status or any other benefits you may receive.

Your Support Plan

Following the assessment, you could write your own support plan, write it with help from family or friends, or write it jointly with adult care workers.

Your plan should set out your choice/s of support to help you meet the goals identified in the assessment.

It should contain the arrangements you wish to put in place.

Once your plan is written, it needs to be approved by adult social services. WNC will also need to decide how we will review and monitor your care and support needs.

Arranging Your Services

You may prefer to arrange your own care and support. You can receive your Personal Budget as a Direct Payment to do this.

This means you will be given the money to arrange your care and support. Most people who receive care and support have a right to a Direct Payment.

There are some limited circumstances where a Direct Payment is not appropriate, and an adult care worker will be able to tell you about these.

You must have arrangements in place to manage the necessary paperwork (either alone or with help). You must also satisfy the council that the services you intend to buy will meet your assessed needs.

In addition, if you plan to employ staff, you must show that you will meet your legal requirements as an employer.

Employing a personal assistant is one option that can give you a more flexible and tailor-made package of support which suits you.

Buying Services

If you don't want to employ staff, you can buy care and support from a service provider to meet your needs. You may arrange your support yourself directly with the people you think are best to provide the help you need. You can discuss this with your care manager, as some conditions may apply.

Employing Staff and Buying Services

Alternatively, you can do both. For example, you can employ staff and buy care and support to provide back-up cover.

A service provider is an agency or business that sells you care services, like care workers.

Your adult social services worker can provide names of regulated service providers in your area that provide the services you need. If you have a contract with a service provider, they will be answerable to you, not the council.

West Northamptonshire Council Can Manage Your Budget for You

If you don't want a Direct Payment, the council can manage your budget on your behalf.

This is called a Managed Service. It is also possible to have your Personal Budget as a combination of a Direct Payment and a Managed Service.

Is Your Support Plan Meeting Your Needs?

Once the support you require has been arranged, WNC will work with you to make sure it continues to meet your needs.

They will review your support plan with you regularly (at least once a year, but more often if you need it).

This may involve changing the care and support you receive to reflect changes in your circumstances, priorities, or different things you want to achieve.

It may also involve reviewing your eligibility and your contribution towards your care and support from WNC.

Request an Assessment or Review From Adult Social Services

WNC can give you information, advice, and guidance to help you remain independent. Where you may require additional help, WNC can assess you to see if you have eligible needs or to review your current care package.

• How To Request an Assessment or Review

Resources:

• Northamptonshire Local Offer - Quick Guide to Personal Assistants (PDF 461KB)