What Direct Payments can and cannot be used for
Things you can pay for
You can use Direct Payments to pay for:
- personal assistants or care agencies. You may decide to pay a family member or friend to be your personal assistant
- activities or services that will support your wellbeing
- respite care
- one-off pieces of equipment that are not available through the NHS or support services
- transport to services or activities which are included in your support plan. This applies if you are unable to get there yourself or the cost of this is much higher than most people would normally have to pay
- services provided by us or any other council if they meet the outcomes in your support plan. This could be something like a day service or activity provided by a council which has a charge
You can build up funds to pay for these things later in the year. You should discuss this with your Social Worker or Social Care Officer, so they can record this in your support plan.
Things you cannot pay for
You cannot use Direct Payments to pay for:
- everyday living costs. This could be things like food and drink, shopping, household bills and housing costs such as your rent, mortgage or service charges if you live in supported housing
- costs covered by other benefits. You may receive disability benefits such as DLA or PIP for mobility reasons, we would expect you to 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 or your carer’s car with petrol
- NHS services. Such as dentists, chiropodists, physiotherapists or mental health services such as counselling and specialist therapies
- equipment, aids and adaptations which we already provide
- anything that is illegal or may harm your health, safety and wellbeing. Such as buying alcohol, tobacco or to take part in gambling or illegal activities.
- paying tips, bonuses or extra payments to staff or services you use. For example, you cannot give your personal assistant a Christmas bonus
- items, activities or services that are not linked to your assessed care and support needs and support plan. For example, you have to use your own income to pay for a new television or meal at a restaurant
- our fixed charges for care costs. This may include the standard respite charge, your personal contribution, or charges for residential placements in supported housing or care homes