A direct payment lets you choose who cares for you and when, including employing a personal assistant, instead of taking the services the council arranges.
Quick facts
- Comes from
- A council needs assessment
- Paid to
- You, or someone you choose
- Or
- Council-managed, or a mix
- Carers
- Can get a personal budget too
What a personal budget is
Your personal budget is the amount of money your local council will pay towards any social care and support you need.
The amount of money in your personal budget is decided by your local council after getting a needs assessment to work out what kind of care and support you need, how much it will cost, and how much you're able to afford yourself.
How you can take it
You can ask the council to either:
- manage your personal budget for you
- pay the money to another organisation – such as a care provider
- pay the money directly to you or someone you choose – this is known as a direct payment
You can also choose a combination of these options.
Carers
If you're a carer, you may be entitled to receive a personal budget after having a carer's assessment to see what might help make your life easier. See social care assessments.
How to start
Ask social services at your council for a needs assessment first. If you are found eligible for help, ask for your budget as a direct payment.
Common questions
What is a direct payment?
Your council's social care budget for you, paid to you or someone you choose so you can arrange your own care.
Do I need an assessment first?
Yes. The budget is decided after a needs assessment.
Can carers get direct payments?
Carers may get a personal budget after a carer's assessment.
Can I mix direct payments with council care?
Yes. You can choose a combination.