More about Direct Payments
Direct Payments and benefits
A Direct Payment is not a benefit. It is money that belongs to us and is paid directly to you to spend on your care services. It will not affect any other benefits you might have.
What Direct Payments can be used 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 Direct Payments can not be used for
Direct Payments can not 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.
Mixed package
Depending on your circumstances, you may choose to receive some of your support through Direct Payments and have other services arranged by us.
For example, you could use Direct Payments to employ a personal assistant to help with daily tasks such as washing and dressing, while we arrange other support such as attendance at a day centre.
This approach can give you more choice and control over some aspects of your care while continuing to receive services arranged by us.
Page last updated: 27 August 2026
