What your direct payment budget can be used for

Direct payments are designed to be used flexibly and innovatively. There should be no unreasonable restriction placed on their use. It must be used to meet eligible care and support needs identified in your support plan.

Here are some examples.

• If you need help with personal care:
  • you can employ your own carer or personal assistant (PA) - also see Employing personal assistants (PDF, 128KB)
  • or choose a care agency of your choice - see Using an agency (PDF, 87KB)
• If you need help to access local amenities, you can employ a personal assistant to help you attend activities
• If you need help to reduce your social isolation, you can pay for one-off pieces of equipment, for example a tablet, to stay in contact with friends and relatives (see Equipment (PDF, 78KB).
• You may want to pay for transportation, take part in meaningful social activities or hobbies, or even visit places of interest. 
• Support in college or in a job
• Accessing day opportunities to support you to:
  • meet with others
  • participate in a range of social and leisure activities
  • receive personal care
  • give carers a break from caring responsibilities

Employing a personal assistant (PA): you can employ a family member or a friend who you feel comfortable with to support you. You can also use the Find-a-PA (external link) to find a suitable PA. See  Recruiting staff (PDF, 98KB)  

For one-off purchases: there may be a piece of equipment that would enable you to be more independent and replace the need for someone to support you. For example a specialist bed, tailor-made phone or mobility aids. See  Equipment (PDF, 78KB)

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