Direct payments

Having a direct payment means you can:

• have control over your care and support arrangements
• make your own choices and have more flexibility
• have support to do things for yourself.

You can use the money to employ your own staff directly, or through an agency, rather than have the council make these arrangements for you.

You can choose who supports you and when you want the support. For example, you may want to arrange to have help in the evenings and at weekends, rather than during the day.

You can choose to have direct payments to manage all or just some of your support. If you only want a direct payment for part of your support, the council can arrange the rest. You can change your mind about having direct payments or having a provided service at any time by giving 4 weeks’ notice.

If you choose direct payments there is advice and guidance available to help you manage your care and support.