Direct Payments Support Service
- Location: Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
- Price: Free
Please note, this service is not available outside Age UK Solihull - Head Office's catchment area.
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
Central Library
Homer Road
SOLIHULL
West Midlands
B91 3RG
United Kingdom
Email: directpayments@ageuksolihull.org.uk
Telephone: 0121 709 7591
Direct payments are payments made directly to individuals who request to receive one to meet some or all of their eligible care and support needs.
Carers may also be eligible for direct payments.
A direct payment is not a benefit and does not affect any benefits that you receive.
What are direct payments?
Direct payments allow you to receive funding to employ a Personal Assistant (PA) or other support services, giving you more control over your care.
How do direct payments work?
You receive funding direct from Solihull Social Services which allows you to employ your own PA.
Once you are in receipt of direct payments you become an employer and are responsible for paying your PA directly. You are also responsible for managing your PA's schedule and tasks.
Why use direct payments?
By receiving direct payments you have more choice and control over your care package.
You have a choice as to who works for you, whether that is a PA that you employ or a care agency, or a mix of providers based on your individual need.
You have flexibility on the hours and tasks that your chosen support provider undertakes.
What support is available?
Our Direct Payments team is here to support you in your role as an employer. We can help you understand how a personal budget works, recruit a PA, help with contracts and insurance. We can also help you to find a suitable Care Agency.
Where can I get more information on direct payments?
The Age UK Solihull Direct Payments Information Pack explains how direct payments work.
Direct Payments Information Pack
What is a PA?
A PA supports adults or children with disabilities, health conditions, or other support needs to maintain independence.
What does a PA do?
A PA supports you in your own home or in the community. Their tasks are set by you and may include:
- Household tasks (cleaning, cooking, shopping)
- Social support (companionship, attending appointments, activities)
- Personal care (washing, dressing, manual handling, medication)
How can I find a PA?
The Solihull PA Register supports PAs looking for work and employers (who receive direct payments from Solihull Council, seeking to employ a PA in Solihull.
Our team uses the Register to match PAs with employers based on your care needs, the PA availability, and the areas in Solihull where they are happy to work.
The Register includes PAs with varied experience, availability, covering different days, working patterns, and options for relief cover.
The Register is managed and delivered by Age UK Solihull on behalf of Solihull Council.
Call us on 0121 709 7591 or email paregister@ageuksolihull.org.uk for more information.
More about the Solihull PA Register
Further information
If you are disabled, care for someone else, or would like more information, click below for Solihull Council's Direct Payments page.
Solihull Council Direct Payments page
Personal care budgets information
Find out more by visiting Age UK's Personal Budgets page