Croydon Direct Payments
Kingston Centre for Independent Living (KCIL) has been awarded the contract by Croydon Council to provide support with Direct Payments from October.
KCIL is a user-led disability charity with over 20 years’ experience supporting people to live independently and with choice and control over their care. KCIL understand how important it is that any changes are made carefully and are committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless transition for you.
KCIL will have a dedicated team that are directly assigned to help with all aspects of Direct Payments — including employing personal assistants (PAs), managing your PA, managing your Direct Payment, understanding your options, managing finances, or simply finding the right information at the right time.
What you can expect from KCIL
*The KCIL team has over 75% of staff and trustees with lived experience of disability who have worked within the Direct Payments sector in south London for over 20 years
*The Croydon Direct Payments team will be based in and around the borough and will be working hand in hand with Croydon council officers and social workers to ensure your services are seamless
*The Head Office team in Kingston has a wealth of experience, and a warm, friendly team. Their website has plenty of information about their background and history in the Direct Payments sector – https://kcil.org.uk/our-values/
Support with employing personal assistants and managing Direct Payments
You’ll have a named KCIL advisor who can help you with:
- Recruiting and interviewing personal assistants
- Contracts, DBS checks, training and support with payroll
- Becoming a confident and supported employer
KCIL also offer training and resources in accessible formats and provide ongoing help whenever you need it.
If you wish to change provider
We will always respect your choice. If you decide to explore other providers, the KCIL team of Independent Living advisors will:
- Offer clear, friendly guidance on how to do this
- Ensure your care isn’t disrupted
- Work with Croydon Council to manage a safe and smooth handover
- KCIL have an extensive network of contacts across south London
Changing bank accounts
If you want to change the bank account you use for your Direct Payment, KCIL will:
- Support you step-by-step when making the application, they can help with forms and paperwork
- Liaise with the Council and payroll services
- Ensure your care and payments continue without disruption
Support during the transition
To make this change as easy as possible, KCIL will provide:
- A welcome call or video chat, or a home visit from a named KCIL advisor
- A dedicated phone line and email for any questions
- Information in Easy Read, large print, multiple languages or other formats
- Regular updates and the opportunity to get involved in shaping the service
Next Steps
We’ll be in touch again very soon with more information and an invitation to a welcome session where you can meet your local KCIL team.
In the meantime, any questions about the transfer, please call 020 8546 9603 or email [email protected]
