Living Independently
Money
On this page you will find information, support and guidance on money for young people with SEND.
Where will my money come from?
Wages
Wages are money that you get for being in paid employment or for doing your job. The amount that you will get depends on how many hours that you work and the rate of pay. This is the amount you will be paid per hour and it will be agreed between you and your employer.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
DLA, short for Disability Living Allowance, is the name of a benefit that some people with a disability or health condition get. The money is to pay for extra help to do things and to get around.
For more information visit Disability Living Allowance | Mencap
Personal Budgets
You'll be given a personal budget to spend if your local council decide you're eligible for help with any social care and support you need. You can request an assessment from the council to establish your needs.
You can ask the council to either:
- manage your personal budget for you
- pay the money to another organisation – such as a care provider
- pay the money directly to you or someone you choose – this is known as a direct payment
For more information visit Personal budgets - Telford & Wrekin Council
Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
PIP is money from the government. It supports people with disabilities, long-term physical difficulties and mental health conditions to get help with everyday tasks and moving around.
For more information visit Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | Mencap
New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
The money is to help some people with a disability or health condition to pay for living costs. Living costs include things like rent, food and bills. You can also get help to get ready for work.
For more information visit Employment and Support Allowance - disability | Mencap
Personal Budgets and Direct Payments
A Personal Budget is an agreed amount of money that is allocated to you to meet your care and support needs. You can choose to have a Direct Payment, which can give you greater control of how your care and support needs are going to be met. Your Care Act assessment will identify your personal budget. Your personal budget will be paid to you through a separate nominated bank or Fairshare account.
Direct Payments can be used in a wide range of innovative and creative ways as long as they are safe, legal and meet your assessed care and support needs. You can decide how you spend your Direct Payment in a way that works for you. For example, you can use your Direct Payment for:
• A Personal Assistant
• Community access
• A carer
• Short breaks for children/respite for adults
Benefits of a Direct Payment
• You can have greater control over who provides your care and how it is delivered.
• You can arrange and manage your own care.
• You can choose the individual(s) who you wish to care for you. There are exceptions to this – your allocated worker or Direct Payment Officer can explain this to you further.
• By arranging your own care, you can make sure that all your care needs are met in the way that you want.
• Your support plan can be as flexible as you need it to be. For example, you can choose to change when to have your support, such as in the evenings or at weekends.
What you will need to do if you would like a Direct Payment
Your allocated worker will help you design your support plan based on your needs identified following your Care Act Assessment or Review. Once you have completed your support plan, you and your allocated worker will discuss how your needs will be met and how you will spend your Direct Payment. There are a number of different support options available to you.
To find out more information visit Telford and Wrekin Direct Payments
Direct Payment drop in’s and appointments:
Every Tuesday between 10am and 4pm the direct payments team are at the Independent Living Centre (3A Hazeldine House, Telford Town Centre, Telford, TF3 4JL) We are available for drop-in meetings, or if you need something more in depth why not contact us to book an appointment.
Call the direct payment team on 01952 383130 or email [email protected]
Advice and Support
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice offer advice and support on budgeting, benefits and money.
For more information visit Citizens Advice
Barclays LifeSkills
The Barclays LifeSkills Programme offers advice and support on Money.
For more information visit Barclays
Mencap money and benefits
Mencap offers Easy Read Guides about benefits and useful information to help you manage your household bills and living costs with tips on how to save money.
For more information visit Mencap