About Direct Payments
Direct Payments give you more choice and control over your care and support.
We pay your personal budget directly to you. This means you can arrange and pay for the care and support that meets your needs, instead of us arranging it for you.
Direct Payments are flexible. You can choose the services and support you want, as long as they help meet the needs identified in your assessment.
You know your needs best. Direct Payments give you the freedom to decide how your care and support is provided.
Eligibility for Direct Payments
If we have agreed that you are eligible for social care support then you should be able to have Direct Payments.
As long as you have an eligible need, it is your choice whether you want to receive Direct Payments. You can change your mind at any time.
If you are not able to manage Direct Payments yourself, we may ask a trusted friend or relative to manage them for you.
Receiving Direct Payments
If you have eligible care and support needs, and you choose direct payments, we will give you a prepaid card. You can use your prepaid card to pay for your care and support.
There are many advantages of taking your direct payment in this way.
Watch this video about Direct Payments and the advantages of using a prepaid card.
- Video: Direct Payments - the advantages of using a prepaid card
- Download the Pre-payment card factsheet
- Download the Direct Payments leaflet
Eligible care and support needs
These are support needs that we must help citizens with so that they can live their lives, such as getting washed and dressed.
Support you will receive
Your social work team can also support you through the process. Our Direct Payments team is also here to help make things as easy as possible.
Other organisations that can help you to manage your Direct Payments.
Asking for Direct Payment
Firstly, you will need an assessment. An assessment is usually carried out by one of our social work staff.
The assessment will look at what you can do for yourself and what you need help with.
If there are essential things you need help with, and there is nobody else to provide that help, you may be eligible for support.
You may be asked to pay some of your own money towards the cost of your care.
Speak to your social worker or if you do not have one, contact adult social care to arrange an assessment
Find out more
For more information:
Page last updated: 27 August 2026