How a Direct payment works
Overview
Direct payments allow people to organise and buy their own social care services.
If you have eligible social care needs, you can choose how to receive your care and support. A social work professional will assess your eligible social care needs and determine your 'personal budget'. This is the amount of money that we set aside to pay for your care and support.
If you are eligible and choose to use your personal budget to arrange your own care and support, we call this a 'direct payment'.
Your social care worker will refer you to our commissioned provider for direct payment support, for training on how to use and manage your direct payment.
Can I choose to have a direct payment?
Yes, you can choose to take your personal budget as a direct payment providing you meet the eligibility criteria. You will be provided with training on how to use your direct payment and you can speak to your social care worker for further information about the options available to you.
You cannot be made to accept a direct payment if you don't want one. If you do use direct payments and later decide not to, you can ask us to arrange your care and support for you.
