Individual Service Fund (ISF)

An Individual Service Fund (ISF) a personalised funding mechanism that enables individuals to have greater control and flexibility over the care and support they receive. We have extensive experience in working with people we support through an ISF.

Our team can help advise and manage your ISF for you.

ISFs are designed to tailor care and support to the unique needs and preferences of each individual. This approach contrasts with more traditional, one-size-fits-all models of care. By giving individuals control over their care budgets, ISFs empower them to make choices about how their needs are met, promoting autonomy and self-determination.

Eligibility and Allocation

An individual must undergo a needs assessment conducted by their local authority to determine their eligibility for care and support. If eligible, they can opt to manage their care through an ISF.

The local authority allocates a budget based on the individual's assessed needs. This budget is then managed either by the individual, a family member, a care provider, or a third-party organisation.

Direct Payments

A direct payment refers to a monetary payment given to individuals who have been assessed as needing care and support. This allows them to have greater control over how their care needs are met.

Direct payments are a key component of personalising care and support. By providing individuals with the financial means to arrange their own care, direct payments promote independence, choice, and control, leading to potentially better outcomes and higher satisfaction with care.

Eligibility

An individual must undergo an assessment by their local authority to determine their eligibility for care and support. If eligible, they can opt to receive direct payments instead of traditional care provided by the local authority.

The person must be willing to receive direct payments and capable of managing them, either independently or with support from a nominated person or organisation.