Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for people receiving direct payments

Advice for people who buy care and support through a direct payment and those who provide care and support.

There are two Government documents to read.

Changes (7th May 2020) to guidance for direct payment holders to reflect the latest PPE guidance from Public Health England, in particular what PPE should be worn during a time of sustained COVID-19 transmission.
Also, questions have been added to the Q&A attachment on footwear, the use papers towels and responsibility for paying for PPE.

The Q&A document covers:

Latest

Sexual and reproductive health support for vulnerable individuals and communities during COVID-19

1:1 telephone support is available for vulnerable people who are more at risk of poorer sexual health outcomes.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for people receiving direct payments

Changes to guidance for direct payment holders to reflect the latest PPE guidance from Public Health England, in particular what PPE should be worn during a time of sustained COVID-19 transmission. Also, questions have been added to the Q&A attachment on footwear, the use papers towels and responsibility for paying for PPE.
Banking during lockdown: cash deliveries, dedicated telephone numbers and more

The Post Office has launched a cash delivery service to help vulnerable customers, with the help of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
How can someone who is isolated at home access benefits in cash

The Post Office has launched a cash delivery service to help vulnerable customers, with the help of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Banking during lockdown: cash deliveries, dedicated telephone numbers and more

The Post Office has launched a cash delivery service to help vulnerable customers, with the help of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Help for parents during the school holidays

Activities, food support and other contacts for parent carers of school age children
Free Cakes for Kids

A not-for-profit community service to families who find it difficult to provide a birthday cake for their child. Cakes are baked by volunteers, who operate in local and independent groups across the country.
Basic food bank in SO14

Saturday 10am-3pm at Living World Liberation Centre 21-25 St Mary's Place Southampton SO14 3HY
ESA / NSESA customers do not need to submit medical evidence

ESA and New Style ESA customers who have not yet had their medical assessment are usually required to provide medical evidence in support of their claim. From 30 March 2020 this requirement has been temporarily removed. The situation will be reviewed monthly.
Grants available nationally

Useful links to some grants relevant to carers
Social care and support guide

If you or someone you know needs help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability, this website explains your options and where you can get support.
Veterans' Gateway

Veterans' Gateway provide a single point of contact for veterans seeking advice and support.offer advice from a range of organisations covering issues from employment, finances and housing, to independent living, mental wellbeing, physical health, and families and communities. It is a partnership between Royal British Legion, Combat Stress, SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, Connect Assist and Poppyscotland. Phone 08‍08 80‍2 12‍12
Paying for care and home adaptations

Costs of paying for care and related expenditure such as home adaptations may be met by the local authority if you qualify following a needs assessment. Details of how this is done and relevant information is listed here.
Disability Related Expenses

Disability Related Expenses are costs that arise from a disability or long-term health condition. If you need to spend money on items and services to help you to manage your disability or long-term health condition, then you may qualify to have these costs included in your financial assessment. This will then reduce the amount the local council may ask you to pay towards your care. This page contains the SCC form called Statement of Financial Circumstances for you to download.