1. What is my personal budget?
Your personal budget is based on your eligible needs following your assessment. It is calculated using the Resource Allocation System or RAS.
2. How can I use my budget?
You will need to write a support plan to say how you plan to spend your personal budget. Lots of people can help you write you plan including your family, friends or an advocate, as well as your care manager. You will need to show yow you are going to use your budget to meet the eligible needs you have identified in your assessment.
Some examples might be:
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Employing a personal assistant (PA)
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Buying services from an agency
3. Will I have to contribute?
Yes – you will need to have a financial assessment to see if you have to contribute to the cost
4. Are there any conditions?
You care manager will need to agree your support plan with you to show that:
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It will meet your assessed needs
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It will support you to improve your safety, wellbeing and quality of life For example:
o Does not put you or others at risk of financial or physical harm
o Is not used for illegal activities
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Will be used to support the social care outcomes you have identified in your support plan
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Can be managed by you either on your own or with appropriate advice and assistance
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Is best value for money
5. Are there other things I might need to think about?
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There are different options about how you can manage your support and help
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You will need to keep records of how the money has been spent
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You may also need to think about other responsibilities for example if you choose to employ your own PA or contract with another agency.
Your care manager and the self directed support team can discuss this with you when you are thinking about self directed support.
To find out more:
Discuss with your care manager or contact Adult Social Care Direct| on 0191 433 7033 to discuss a referral for an assessment