(Updated 03/04/2023)
What is a personal budget?
Your personal budget is the amount of money your local council will pay towards any social care and support you need.
The amount of money in your personal budget is decided by your local council after a needs assessment to work out:
- what kind of care and support you need
- how much it will cost
- how much you’re able to afford yourself
Carers and personal budgets
If you’re a carer, you may be entitled to receive a personal budget after having a carer’s assessment to see what might help make your life easier.
A carer’s assessment is free and anyone over 18 can ask for one.
Personal Independence Payment
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is extra money to help you with everyday life if you’ve an illness, disability or mental health condition.
You can get it on top of Employment and Support Allowance or other benefits. Your income, savings, and whether you’re working or not don’t affect your eligibility.
If you’re having problems and need help filling in the form, you can contact Citizens Advice IOW
They can help you fill in the form and give you advice on:
- what the questions mean and what they’re asking for
- what sort of things you can say on the form and what you can leave out
- what to do if you find it difficult to fill in the form because of your disability or health condition
To find out more visit our page on Personal Independence Payments to see if you qualify to apply.
Other Helpful Links:
Personal budgets and direct payments in social care fact sheet – Age UK
Your personal budget – IOW Council
