What is a direct payment?
A direct payment is money we give you to buy services or items that we have assessed you as needing. Direct payments can be made on an ongoing basis or for one-off items or services. It is not the same as benefits or pension payments made direct to your bank account, which are also described as direct payments. We can give direct payments to Carers to support them in their caring role as well as to people who need services in their own right.
You must spend the money on services or items that meet an eligible assessed need. This is a need that we have identified in a community care assessment or a carer’s assessment and found to meet our eligibility criteria. Our fair access to care (FACS 1) leaflet explains how we make decisions about eligibility. If you have already had an assessment, your needs will be stated in your care plan or that of the person for whom you are a carer.
Who can get a direct payment?
We offer direct payments to almost everyone who has an eligible need, providing they are able to consent to a direct payment and manage a direct ayment, either on their own or with support.
Groups of people who can usually have a Direct Payment if they wish, include:
those with a physical or sensory impairment
people of 65 and over who need support to live independently
people with a learning difficulty
people with mental health needs
people with HIV or AIDS
Carers of a disabled person who is over 18
What can direct payments be used for?
Employing one or more personal assistants or a care agency |
Your own personal care needs e.g. help with washing and dressing |
Support with daily living activities e.g. cooking, shopping, getting out and about to meet people and join in with things |
Short breaks (respite care) |
Purchasing items that will help you be more independent |
Services or items to help Carers continue in their caring role e.g. washing machines, tumble dryers, car repairs, driving lessons, relaxation sessions, internet access |
Employing one or more personal assistants or a care agency.Your own personal care needs e.g. help with washing and dressing.
Support with daily living activities e.g. cooking, shopping, getting out and about to meet people and join in with things.
Short breaks (respite care). Direct payments can be used for alternatives to short breaks in residential or nursing care, for example people can be supported in their own home while their carer takes a break, or they can use the funding to have a break away in a specialist resource.
Purchasing items that will help you be more independent for example we have funded people with mental health problems to go on courses to build their skills and confidence.
Purchasing items that will help you be more independent |
Services or items to help Carers continue in their caring role e.g. washing machines, tumble dryers, funding towards the cost of transport, relaxation sessions and internet access.
What help is available to manage direct payments?
You can get free help from A4e, who provide our direct payment support service. A4e will help you with every aspect of employing staff and can offer ongoing support to manage the Direct Payment if needed.
For more information about Direct Payments please see our leaflet CCH 66 – Direct Payments (see 'Read more' on the right-hand side of the page).