Who can get direct payments?

Most people who have been assessed by social services as being eligible for care and support can get a direct payment. 

We just need to be satisfied that you want and can manage a direct payment, with or without support from friends, family, or our support service.

How can I use direct payments?

Setting up direct payments could help you to:

• choose your own support staff rather than having whoever is sent to you
• arrange for your care to be delivered at different times to suit what you want to do
• attend different community based activities 

If you choose to employ your own staff you can do this either through buying your services from a care provider, micro-enterprise, or by directly employing your own personal assistant(s).

Carers can also arrange for the person they look after to stay at home with the support of a direct payment, so they can have a break.

You can have all or part of your assessed needs met using direct payments. The payments must:

• be managed safely and responsibly 
• achieve the outcomes set out in your care and support plan (as agreed with your social worker)

Will I need to pay towards my support?

Your financial circumstances will be assessed to see if you will have to pay towards your care needs. This is the same as for other social care services.

Guidance on arranging your own support through direct payments