Individual Service Fund Guide

In this guide, we’ll cover all you need to know about Individual Service Funds (ISFs). We’ll explain what they are and how they work. We’ll outline the pros and cons. And we will explain how to get an ISF. By the end, you should know whether an ISF is the right option for you.

What is an ISF?

An ISF is a way of getting and managing your personal budget. With an ISF, you choose an organisation to manage your support for you. You still have full choice and control over your support. You just don’t have to handle anything directly. Instead, your ISF provider will work with you to plan your support. Then they will organise everything for you. They’ll check-in with you regularly to make sure you’re happy with the setup.

Who can get an ISF?

Anyone can be eligible for an ISF if they meet certain criteria. This may include:

Older adults.
People with long-term health conditions
Disabled people
Carers who require respite.

Who is an ISF suitable for?

An ISF may suit someone who:

Wants choice and control over their support.
Doesn’t want the admin of arranging support or managing the money.
Would like a provider to hold the budget and help plan their support.
Wants support that looks at alternative ways to meet needs.

How do ISFs work?

ISFs give you choice and control over your support without having to manage it. Here’s how they work:

You choose an organisation

You choose an organisation to manage your ISF. This is also called your ISF provider.

Personal Budget

Your personal budget goes to your ISF provider. They will manage it on your behalf.

Support Planning and Brokerage

You will work with your ISF provider to create a support plan tailored to you.

Learn more >>

Provider responsibilities

Your ISF provider will:

Arrange your support.
Keep track of your budget and ensure it’s spent correctly.
Be responsible for keeping accurate records.

Ready to plan your support, your way?

Our team will work with you to create a tailored support plan and manage your ISF. Explore our ISF service today!

What can I spend my ISF on?

You have the freedom to choose how to spend your ISF. It must be spent on things that will meet the needs outlined in your support plan.

Examples...

Here are some examples of how you could spend your ISF:

What can't I spend my ISF on?

There are a few limitations on what you can spend your Direct Payment on. You cannot spend your Direct Payment on any of the following:

NHS services
Long-term residential care
Anything outside of your Care and Support Plan
Anything illegal

Pros and cons

When choosing an ISF, it’s important to weigh out the pros and cons to decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Pros

Choice and control

ISFs allow you to have more choice and control over how your support is delivered.

Tailored support options

Work with your ISF provider to create a support plan. This plan will fit your needs and preferences. Giving a more personalized approach.

Less responsibility

The provider is responsible for all the admin. Like managing payroll and organising your support. Saving you time and effort.

Cons

Budget constraints

You ISF provider may limit what you can spend your support money on. This is because they must ensure that spending aligns with your care plan.

Reliance on the provider

The quality of your support depends heavily on the provider’s ability to:
• Manage your budget
• Deliver your support.

Limited provider choice

Not all care providers offer ISFs, which may limit your options. You may also need to work within the provider’s existing services. Which could limit the support options available to you.

I think an ISF is right for me, what are the next steps?

To get an ISF, you need to speak with Cornwall Council. They will assess your needs and finances to see if you qualify for care and support. If you do qualify, you can choose to get this as an ISF.

Start the process by...