Using direct payments

What can you do with direct payments?

You can use your direct payments to pay for the support to meet your assessed needs and achieve your outcomes. This includes support with personal care or to access the community.

Some people choose to:

• employ their own personal assistants to enable them to live as independently as possible
• pay for support services from agencies
• access social or community activities
• pay for live-in care
• buy respite care (short breaks for you or your carers)

It’s down to you to decide how you want to use the money provided to meet your assessed needs.

Are there any restrictions on how the money is spent?

Yes, direct payments can only be used to meet your outcomes as identified in your Care Plan or Support Plan.

You cannot use your direct payments for other things, such as:

• Anything that is illegal
• Alcohol
• Housing costs or household bills - your income or state benefits allow for these costs
• You cannot usually employ a family member or someone who lives with you (unless this has been previously agreed with your Care Manager)

Someone from adult social care services will speak to you and find out about your situation and how we may be able to help you.

What else is involved in direct payments?

There are some important things you need to know before choosing direct payments:

• We will ask you to sign an agreement to say that you will use your direct payments to pay for services that meet your assessed needs
• We will ask you to keep receipts and provide us with details about how the money has been spent
• If you decide to employ your own personal assistant you will have certain responsibilities, for example, you may need to advertise, pay wages, but support is available to help you with this, which is explained on the questions and answers page