Individual budgets 

What is an individual budget?

The government believes that each of us should have more control and freedom over the care and support we receive. They want us to use the money from the different types of funding that's available and choose the health care services and support  that is appropriate to our individual needs.

Can anyone have a budget?

The individual budget initiative is being piloted at the moment. If it proves successful it will be rolled out nationally. If your Local Authority is taking part in the pilot a Care Manager will help you find out if you are entitled. 

How much is the budget?

You will be asked to complete a simple assessment. Your Care Manager can help with this, also friends and family could help. The assessment tells your Local Authority care providers what support they would normally provide and how much it would cost. This is called a Resource Allocation. You can then see clearly what money is available to meet your health care needs and this will enable you to plan how you would like to use it. You will need to write a support plan. This is to help you spend the money in the best way and to make sure you are not put at risk through an inappropriate choice.

Who looks after the money?

You can manage the money yourself or someone can do it for you. You need to keep records on how you have spent the money but your Care Manager can help with this.

For more information

To find out if you are entitled to an individual budget, contact your local authority. You'll find their number in the Phone Book.