Article: Personal Budgets Article Body A Personal Budget (previously known as an Individual Budget) is money from Adult Social Services for you to spend on the care and support that you need to help you to live more indepedently. You can either receive this money as a Direct Payment or you can arrange to look after it in other ways, for example by having a friend or relative do this on your behalf. You will also have the option of having your care and support arranged by Adult Social Services if this is your preference (this is called a Virtual Budget). Personal Budgets give you more choice and control over how your care and support needs are met. Adult Social Services will help you to write a Support Plan, considering what kind of help you need and how you would prefer to receive it. Personal Budgets are about more than managing the money for your care and suport needs, it is about listening to and helping you to lead a more independent and fulfilling life, with the services that you need. Do I qualify for a Personal Budget? If you need some help with daily living tasks or are finding it difficult to get out and about without support you can contact your nearest Adult Social Services team to find out if you qualify for help. If you have some social care needs you will be offered an assessment to find out if you are eligible for a Personal Budget. A care manager or social worker will meet with you to fill in a questionnaire called a Supported Self Assessment. The assessment looks at areas of your life like: Your personal care needs. Social inclusion. Keeping safe. Aspects of daily living. You can find out more adult social care and support services, Personal Budgets and how to apply for help by downloading the leaflets below or you can telephone (01226) 772370 and ask us to send a pack of leaflets out to you. Your Guide to Adult Social Care Fair Access to Care Services Your Assessment Paying for Services Planning your Support Managing the Money for your Support Being an Employer Contracting with Someone on a Self Employed Basis Useful contacts