The Direct Payment Support Service

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The Direct Payment Support Service (DPSS) was set up in January 2005 to give telephone support to people applying for a Direct Payment.

Direct Payments are offered to anyone who is eligible for a social care or carers service, as an alternative to home care provided by the council. The purpose of Direct Payments is to enable a person to purchase their own care (often by employing their own Personal Assistants), or by purchasing equipment, offering more choice and control over what assistance they receive and when.

DPSS works in partnership with the Independent Living Advocacy Essex (ILA Essex), screening all requests for Direct Payments. The client is then contacted to discuss their support requirements, and if necessary referred to ILA, who are able to provide face to face support.

The Direct Payment Support Service also provides support and information to family members, social workers and their colleagues.

DPSS works in conjunction with Essex Personal Assistance Support Service . Essex PASS can provide vital support for people who use Direct Payments, but for whatever reason feel they need extra assistance.

This support can be provided in areas such as payroll, invoice payments and employer training, making the Direct Payment process stress free.

We also provide Direct Payment Support to people considering Direct Payments in Southend and Cambridgeshire. 

DPSS is funded by :

For further information on the Direct Payment Support Service, please contact us.