Direct payments

Direct Payments Explained

Direct Payments can often be a cause some of confusion. Unfortunately there are several Government schemes using the same name and this leads to misunderstandings.

Direct Payments is used to describe the mechanism whereby money is paid to you in order for you to arrange for care or equipment yourself, as opposed to them being provided through Social Services.

Direct Payments is also used to describe the mechanism whereby money is paid directly into your bank account or post office account;

This section is concerned with the first description of Direct Payments, i.e. the payments made for you to arrange for care and equipment yourself.

Here are a number of useful links which describe Direct Payments and how they can be used.

DirectGov - Direct payments overview

A guide to receiving direct payments from your local council (PDF 272K) (opens new window)

An easy guide to receiving direct payments – giving you the choice and control (PDF document, 685K) (opens new window)

Apply for direct payments

How do I get Direct Payments?

To receive Direct Payments you must have been assessed by the Local Authority as needing community care services, and the payment must be used to buy the services that you have been assessed as needing.

If you have already been assessed and currently receive services directly from your Local Authority, you can contact your care manager or social worker to request more information about Direct Payments as an alternative means of gaining the support you need.

If you have not been assessed, but feel you may be eligible you will need to contact your Local Authority Social Services Department to request a needs assessment. This will involve a social worker visiting to discuss the kind of support you need. It is very important that you prepare for this meeting by developing a list of all the types of assistance you need. For example, help with cooking, dressing, bathing, shopping, getting out and about, and helping care for any children.

Local Authorities are required to assess each person individually, taking full account of their needs, and cannot make a blanket decision to cover all people with specific conditions.

If you are eligible and choose to receive Direct Payments, they will normally be paid to you on a fortnightly or monthly basis in arrears.

Direct Payments are not a replacement of income and are therefore not taxable. Also, they do not affect any benefits you may be receiving.