More about Direct Payments
Will Direct Payments affect your benefits?
No. A Direct Payment is not a benefit. It's money that belongs to the council and is paid directly to you to spend on your care services. It will not affect any other benefits you might have.
What can you use Direct Payments for?
Direct Payments can only be spent on things that meet the needs identified in your assessment and agreed in your support plan. Each person’s support plan will be different.
- most people use Direct Payments to pay a care agency or to employ someone to help with their personal care.
What can't you use Direct Payments for?
Direct Payments can't be used for the following:
- to pay for a close relative, partner or anyone else who lives with you to help you
- for long-term care in a care home
- for housing costs
- for household bills
- for food and drink (including meals delivered to your home) or health needs.
Direct Payments must never be spent on something that is illegal or used for gambling.
What is a mixed package?
Depending on your circumstances, you might be able to have some of your support through Direct Payments and some care arranged for you by the council.
For example, you might have Direct Payments to employ someone to help you get washed and dressed every day and you may also wish to attend a day centre arranged for you by the council.
Page last updated: 7 March 2023
