Direct payments are a cash enablement for a recipient, after social work assessment to source and pay for a personal carer arranging their own care package directly with a supplier.

Who can get a direct payment?

After assessment and subject to the determination the Council will conclude that an individual is in need of care services and has the right to request a direct payment instead of having those services provided by their local authority. In the current economic climate the local authority will often steer an individual down the direct payment route as it reduces their administrative overheads.

People who may be eligible for Direct Payments are as follows:

• Older people who need assistance with community based activities and getting around,
• Disabled adults, over the age of 16, who need assistance with life skills and living independently,
• Carers, in place of receiving carers’ services,
• Families with disabled children and used as a form of respite in many cases, and,
• Disabled parents who need assistance with providing care and support for their children.