Direct payments factsheet
A1: Getting Started
What are Direct Payments?
If our social care assessment team determines that you need support with daily tasks, you can choose to take some or all your personal budget as a Direct Payment.
A Direct Payment is an amount of money we will give you on a regular basis. We will pay the money into a dedicated bank account, in your name, for the sole purpose of using this money to pay for your care and support. The amount of money you receive is based on your assessed needs and agreement with your social worker.
Direct Payments offer greater flexibility, choice and control than support being arranged for you by the Council.
If you choose to receive a Direct Payment, the Council will discuss and explain what it involves. They will also support you in creating a care and support plan that outlines how you intend to use the Direct Payment money to keep you safe and well.
For example, you may want to employ your own Personal Assistant, allowing you to receive support at the times that suit you best.
Alternatively, you might choose to use your funds to buy support from a care agency, or you may prefer to explore other care options beyond what the Council can provide.
Direct Payments offer a lot of flexibility and can be used in many creative ways, provided they are safe and legal. There are some exceptions which the Council can clarify for you upon request.
Who can have Direct Payments?
- You can only receive a Direct Payment after an assessment confirms your eligibility for specific social care services. You must also fall into one of the following categories:
- A disabled person aged 16 years or older.
- A parent or guardian of a disabled child, to use the payment for family services.
- A carer aged 16 years or older, using the payment to meet their own assessed needs.
- A disabled person with parental responsibilities, to use the payment to support their parenting role.
- An appointed Suitable Person for someone who lacks capacity.
The Council has a duty to offer Direct Payments to individuals to help manage their care and support needs. However, there are exceptions for those under certain mental health or criminal justice legislation. For example, individuals subject to specific provisions of the Mental Health Act 1983 or certain criminal justice laws may not be eligible for Direct Payments. Additionally, individuals under court-imposed conditions related to drug or alcohol dependencies are excluded from receiving direct payments.
