What do citizens say are the benefits of Direct Payments?

Quotes

"Since I switched to Direct Payments my levels of independence have gone up and up! I’ve gone from living in a nursing home to having my own accommodation, a carer who can drive for me, and working self-employed. Mark, Edgbaston"
"I am in control of who provides my care. I don’t have to stick with workers that don’t do a good job or that I don’t trust, I decide who works for me. Donna, Erdington"

Remember, just because you can’t manage Direct Payments on your own, this does not mean you are not eligible for them.

"I employ someone I know to help me manage the paperwork and calculate the wages for my personal assistant and then I use one of the support agencies to pay the wages to people. I am registered blind so paperwork is difficult for me. Stephen, Selly Oak"
"I’ve employed carers that I get on well with and share my interests this is important because we spend a lot of time together and they are in my home. The support I get means I can continue to run my own home and care for my children. Hilary, Sutton"
"I employ two personal assistants. The support service does the calculations for me so that I know what I have to pay for wages and tax – all I have to do pay their wage. Gill, Quinton"

Hear from citizens about how they've used direct payments for their care and support needs.