Demystifying Direct Payments: A Lifeline for Independence
- Sharon Williams
- 18 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Demystifying Direct Payments: A Lifeline for Independence
Navigating the world of social care can often feel like wandering through a maze of jargon, paperwork, and "what-ifs." For many of us, the phrase Direct Payments sounds like a complex financial system.
I recently had the pleasure of attending an information session at the Old Library Trust, organised by the fantastic team at DEEDS (Dementia Engaged and Empowered in Derry & Strabane). The session was led by Rosemary Montague from the Centre for Independent Living NI (CILNI), and I can honestly say it was a lightbulb moment for many in the room.
Who are CILNI?
The Centre for Independent Living NI is an organisation led by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities. Their core mission is to support individuals to take control of their own care. They aren't just an advisory body; they are advocates for the "Independent Living Movement," helping people live the lives they choose.
Breaking Down the Barriers
The primary goal of the event was to demystify the Direct Payment system. Direct payments give people more control over how their social care support is planned and delivered, enabling greater independence and choice in meeting their assessed needs.
For the uninitiated, Direct Payments local Health and Social Care trust payments given directly to you (or a representative), allowing you to buy the care services you need, rather than the Trust providing them for you.
Rosemary Montague’s expertise was evident from the start. With a clear, compassionate, and practical approach, she stripped away the complexity.
The key takeaway?
Direct Payments are about choice but require careful managing and reporting to HMRC and the HSC Trust that pays them.
Instead of being assigned a generic care agency with rotating staff at fixed times, Direct Payments allow you to:
Hire your own Personal Assistants (PAs): Often people you know and trust.
Control your schedule: Deciding when you want to get up, go out, or receive help.
Tailor your support: Ensuring your care reflects your personality and specific needs.
The Direct Payments system is not without its complexities. To help people navigate the system CILNI hosts a website with easy-to-read information, FAQs, videos and runs information sessions and events.
The Power of Partnership: DEEDS and OLT
The event wouldn't have been possible without DEEDS. Their work at the Old Library Trust continues to be a cornerstone for the community in Derry. By hosting sessions like this, they ensure that people living with dementia and their carers aren't just "getting by," but are empowered with the knowledge to demand better, more personalised care.
Why Information Sessions Matter
Information is power. Many people avoid Direct Payments because they fear the responsibility of being an "employer" or are overwhelmed by the payroll and legalities. Rosemary and the CILNI team explained that you don't have to do it alone. CIL provides:
Support with recruitment and employment law.
Managed account services to handle the money.
Practical advice on being a good employer.
Taking the Next Step
If you missed the session, don’t worry. The Centre for Independent Living NI has a wealth of resources available on their website. Whether you are a person with a disability, an older person, or a carer, it is worth exploring how Direct Payments could change your life.
As Rosemary highlighted, independence isn’t about doing everything yourself; it’s about having control over how things are done.
Learn more at: https://cilni.org/
A huge thank you to Rosemary Montague, CILNI, and the DEEDS team at the Old Library Trust for making a complex system feel manageable and, most importantly, hopeful.
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