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Moving to Direct Payments

A direct payment is money paid by the council instead of arranging services itself, giving carers and disabled people more choice and control over their support.

Last reviewed
1 June 2026
Next review due
1 December 2026

How this differs across the UK

  • Direct payments exist across all four nations, under Care Act 2014 rules in England, the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, the Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013, and equivalent Northern Ireland arrangements.

Instead of the council arranging and paying for services on your behalf, a direct payment gives you (or, with agreement, someone acting on your behalf) the money to arrange your own support, whether that is respite care, a personal assistant, or equipment.

How direct payments work

  • Following an assessment (yours as a carer, or the cared-for person's), the council calculates a personal budget and can offer this as a direct payment.
  • You are responsible for managing the money, keeping records, and spending it in line with the agreed support plan.
  • You can usually employ a personal assistant, pay a care agency, or buy agreed equipment or activities with a direct payment.

Practical considerations

Managing a direct payment brings freedom but also responsibility, including payroll and employment duties if you employ someone directly.

  • Support services exist in most areas to help with payroll, contracts and DBS checks if you employ a personal assistant.
  • You must usually keep receipts and records to show the money was spent as agreed, and councils carry out periodic reviews.
  • A direct payment can be stopped or reduced if it is not used as agreed, so ask what the reporting requirements are up front.

Checklist

  • Ask your council whether a direct payment is available following your (or the cared-for person's) assessment.
  • Ask about local direct payment support services for payroll, insurance and recruitment help.
  • Keep clear records and receipts of all spending from the outset.
  • Understand what counts as an allowed use of the money before you spend it.
  • Ask what happens at review, and how to raise concerns if your needs change.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a direct payment can be spent on anything, rather than what is agreed in the support plan.
  • Not keeping adequate records, which can cause problems at review.
  • Not seeking help with payroll and employment duties when directly employing a personal assistant.
  • Not asking for a change to the payment amount when caring needs increase.

Organisations that can help