Day opportunities
Before attending day opportunities (such as a day centre) you or your representative should negotiate terms and conditions in a signed contract or agreement outlying the terms and conditions.
Suggested terms and conditions
Days and times of attendance
We will only pay for the days that are allocated in your care and support plan. If your usual agreed day falls on a bank holiday, what is the policy for this, do they allow you to attend on a different day or just not charge you?
Transport
If transport is arranged, what happens if it fails to turn up?
What charges are made for non-attendance?
You should be aware that if you go into hospital or you are unable to attend the day centre for any other reason, the day centre may still require payment in order to hold your place.
Your direct payment may be suspended whilst you are not in attendance. You would have to make these payments privately for periods any longer than 4 weeks.
What notice periods are applicable if you stop attendance completely?
The direct payment will only fund a maximum of a 4-week notice period. If you pay anything more, this would result in charges having to be paid privately.
Additional costs
Any charges which are not detailed in your care and support plan, such as the cost of meals or mileage will need to be paid for privately.
Changes to the number of days you attend
Should you wish to increase the number of days that you attend, you will need to contact your social work team for a review or reassessment.
If the extra days are not agreed and you still wish to increase them, you would need to pay for these days from your personal funds.
Paying the invoices
You can pay the invoices at the bank by:
- bank transfer
- telephone banking
- a standing order set up by the person named on the direct payment bank account
Please note
If you receive invoices monthly, a standing order would not be suitable as they can only pay a set amount each month and monthly invoices would vary. You would then need to set up a direct debit.
If you do pay by standing order, it is only possible for you to amend or end it. It is your responsibility to cancel any standing orders promptly when services end or are suspended.
Topping up your direct payment
If the day opportunity costs more than your weekly direct payment amount, then you will need to top up the payment privately.
Please make sure that you either pay this amount into the direct payment account or keep clear records of any extra payments you have made.
What records do you have to keep?
- a copy of any signed contracts between yourself and the day opportunities provider
- all direct payment bank statements
- all related invoices
Please note
All direct payment paperwork should be kept for 7 years.