Self Directed Support

Self directed support means that you choose the services and support that you need, instead of a care manager doing this for you.

To help make self directed support work on the Island, the council is offering people a Personal Budget or a Direct Payment. This means that the Council gives you money instead of giving you a care service. You spend the money on getting support that meets your needs.

This is a new way of funding support or care services for people. We are testing this on the Island at the moment.

To have a personal budget, you have to do a shared assessment. This is a form that asks you questions about your care needs. Once you have done the assessment, a panel will agree the amount of money you can have. You will be told this amount.

You then have to plan your own support making sure you meet your outcomes. Once everything is agreed, you get the money paid into your bank account. You can use a personal budget to buy anything that meets your outcomes so long as it is legal.

To help you with your personal budget, we have made an information pack that tells you the things you need to know. It also helps you to think about things that will help you.

Personal budgets are new, if you want more information please speak with your care manager or look at the information pack we have made.

A Direct Payment is money that the Isle of Wight Council can give you. It is a way of getting the support you need. You can use it to buy the services and support you need. Your care manager will do an assessment and then tell you what your allocation of hours is. You can then choose who you employ for these hours.

Direct Payments are easy to get. If you meet the rules and ask for a Direct Payment, the Council must help you. Advocates can help this happen – to find out more about advocacy, click here to go to our Advocacy page.

01983 566011