Understanding Home Care Funding – Kent

Direct Payments and Local Authority Funding for Home Care in Kent

When families in Kent start looking for home care, the first question is rarely “Which provider should we choose?” It’s usually something far more stressful:

“How on earth do we pay for this?”

If you’re feeling that pressure, you’re not alone. The funding system is complicated, the terminology is confusing, and the advice you get from different people can feel contradictory.

So let’s slow everything down and walk through it clearly – step by step – so you know exactly what support is available, how Direct Payments work, and how you can use them with a private provider like Sambhana.

No jargon. No judgement. Just clarity.

1. What funding support does Kent County Council actually offer?

Kent County Council (KCC) provides financial support for people who need help at home, but the process always starts with two assessments:

1. A Care Needs Assessment (external link)

This looks at what support you need day‑to‑day – washing, dressing, medication, mobility, meal preparation, safety, and so on.

2. A Financial Assessment (external link)

This determines whether KCC will pay for some, all, or none of your care.

The outcome usually falls into one of three categories:

• KCC pays for everything
• KCC pays for part of your care
• You pay privately (self‑funding)

If KCC agrees to fund some or all of your care, you’ll be offered two choices:

1. KCC arranges the care for you, or
2. You receive Direct Payments and choose your own provider

This is where things get interesting – and where many families feel overwhelmed.

2. What are Direct Payments? (The simple explanation)

Direct Payments are funds that KCC gives directly to you, so you can arrange your own care instead of being limited to council‑commissioned providers.

Think of it as:

KCC gives you the budget → you choose the provider → you stay in control.

You can use Direct Payments to pay for:

• Home care
• Personal care
• Support with daily living
• Community access
• Respite
• Specialist cultural or language‑specific care (like bilingual support)

This flexibility is the reason many families prefer Direct Payments – especially when they want a provider who understands their culture, language, or specific needs.

3. Can you use Direct Payments with Sambhana?

Yes. Absolutely.

Many of our clients in Kent already use Direct Payments to fund their support.

Families choose Sambhana because they want:

• Consistent carers
• Culturally sensitive support
• Bilingual communication
• A provider who treats people like individuals, not case numbers
• A relationship‑based approach rather than a rushed, task‑based service

Direct Payments give you the freedom to choose the provider who feels right – not just the one who happens to be on a council rota.

4. How the process works (step‑by‑step)

Here’s the simplest possible breakdown:

Step 1 — Request a Care Needs Assessment

You can do this through KCC’s website or by phone.

Step 2 — KCC carries out the assessment

They decide what level of support is needed.

Step 3 — You ask for Direct Payments

You have the legal right to request them.

Step 4 — KCC allocates a personal budget

This is the amount they agree to fund.

Step 5 — You choose your provider

This is where Sambhana can step in.

Step 6 — KCC pays the Direct Payments into a dedicated account

You use this account to pay for your care.

If you need help managing the account, KCC can arrange a managed Direct Payment service, which takes the admin off your shoulders.

5. What if the Direct Payment doesn’t cover the full cost?

This is very common.

If KCC’s budget is lower than the cost of the care you want, you can:

• Top up the difference privately, or
• Ask KCC to review the budget if your needs have changed

We help families understand their options and avoid paying more than they need to.

6. Why families in Kent choose Direct Payments

From the conversations we have every week, the reasons are usually the same:

• They want carers who speak their language
• They want continuity, not a different face every week
• They want cultural understanding
• They want care that feels personal
• They want to choose who comes into their home
• They want flexibility around routines, food, and communication
• They want dignity, not a rushed 15‑minute visit

Direct Payments make all of this possible.

7. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not failing – the system is.

Families often tell us they feel guilty for not understanding the funding process.

But the truth is:

The system is complicated. You’re not.

You’re doing your best in a situation you didn’t ask for.

If you need help navigating Direct Payments, understanding your options, or simply talking through what’s possible, we’re here to guide you – calmly, clearly, and without pressure.