A Personal Budget is the amount of money you need for services. A Personal Budget puts you in control of how you spend the money that you receive from the Council. You can then plan how best to spend this money to meet your support needs.

You also have greater choice about the organisations and individuals who you can ask to support you. You can also have more say over exactly what they do and when they do it.

You are able to have a Personal Budget if:

• You are aged 18 years or over and have a learning disability
• You are aged 18 years or over and have a physical disability
• You are aged 65 years or over
• You are a young person with a disability in transition (between young people and adult services)
• You have mental health support needs

Is a Personal Budget right for me?

It is important to work out if an Personal Budget is right for you. You can talk to friends, family, an independent support organisation, your social worker, or care manager. They can help you work out what you want.

Here are some things you could think about:

• Would you like to be more independent?
• Do you want to be more in control of who supports you?

If your answer to any of these questions is YES, then a Personal Budget could help you get support that better meets your needs.

Where can I find out more information?
For further information about Self-Directed Support and Personal Budgets, you can speak to your social worker or care manager.

More information can be found in our leaflets, 'Self Directed Support and Personal Budgets', or the more detailed booklet, 'A guide to Self-Directed Support' available under 'Downloads'.