How you can and cannot use your Direct Payments

What you can use Direct Payments for

You can use your Direct Payments to arrange the care and support that best suits your lifestyle and needs.

This might include:

  • hiring a personal assistant or care agencies
  • accessing day services
  • accessing community activities
  • arranging short breaks
  • paying for respite care
  • getting out and about
  • one-off pieces of equipment
  • services provided by us or any other council. For example, a day service or activity provided by a council which has a charge

You can use your Direct Payment flexibly, but only for things that:

  • meet the outcomes identified in your care and support plan
  • meet with the conditions set out in the Direct Payment agreement
  • are agreed with your caseworker before your payments start

Hiring a personal assistant

If you’re considering hiring a personal assistant, we’ll send you the relevant information to support your decision. You can also visit our document page to find the Direct Payments employers handbook.

What you cannot use Direct Payments for

You cannot use your Direct Payments for:

  • everyday living costs. For example:

    • food and drink
    • shopping
    • household bills
    • rent
    • mortgage
    • service charges if you live in supported housing

  • NHS services. For example:

    • dentists
    • chiropodists
    • physiotherapists
    • mental health services, such as counselling or specialist therapies

  • anything that’s illegal or may harm your health, safety and wellbeing. For example:

    • alcohol
    • tobacco
    • gambling
    • any illegal activities

  • costs covered by other benefits. For example, if you receive disability benefits such as DLA or PIP for mobility reasons, you must use these for travel related costs

  • day-to-day travel costs. For example, getting the bus or a taxi to go to the shops, or filling up your car or your carer’s car

  • equipment, aids and adaptations which we already provide

  • paying tips, bonuses or extra payments to staff or services you use. For example, giving your personal assistant a Christmas bonus

  • items, activities or services that are not linked to your care and support needs. For example, a new television or meal at a restaurant

  • your client contribution

  • long-term residential care

  • paying close family members who live in the same household, unless exceptional circumstances apply and are agreed by the council, in line with the Care Act 2014 S33(2)(b)

  • anything that is not agreed in your care and support plan