Direct payments for care
If you or someone you care for has been assessed as needing social services support, you can apply for direct payments to arrange and pay for your own care, instead of the Health and Social Care Trust arranging it for you.
Who can get direct payments
To be eligible for direct payments, you must already have been assessed as needing help from social services.
You can apply for direct payments if you:
- have a disability and are aged 16 or over
- have parental responsibilities for a child with disabilities
- are a carer aged 16 or over
- are elderly and need community care services
If you have not been assessed for social services support, or your needs have changed and you need reassessed, find out how to get an assessment at:
You must be able to consent to receiving direct payments and be able to manage them, even if you need help to do this on a day-to-day basis.
How to apply for direct payments
If you already get services, ask your Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust about direct payments.
If you are applying for services for the first time, your social worker should discuss the direct payments option with you when they assess your care needs.
How much you will get
Your HSC Trust will decide how much money you get, based on what support you need.
How it's paid
Direct payments are made directly into your bank, building society, Post Office or National Savings' account.
If you need someone who cares for you to collect your money, or you are registered blind, payment can be made by cheque which can be cashed at the Post Office.
Effect on other benefits
Direct payments do not affect any other benefits you may be getting.
What you can use direct payments for
You can use the money to pay for services or equipment identified in your assessment and care plan.
You cannot use direct payments to pay a family member or anyone who lives with you, unless you have specifically recruited that person to be a live-in employee.
If you have a child with disabilities
If you have parental responsibility for a child with disabilities, following an assessment, you can use direct payments for a variety of services which offer your child stimulation, new experiences and independence.
These include:
- short breaks
- help to go to a youth club or other activity
- personal care
- after-school or holiday care to help you stay in work
- employing someone to support your child
Your Trust can offer guidance about safe practice in employing carers, including criminal record checks, but as the employer, you are responsible.
Direct payments for carers
If you are a carer aged 16 or over, you may be eligible for direct payments to buy services the Trust agrees you need to support you in your caring role.
To be eligible you will need an assessment for carers.
The Trust may agree to direct payments for services that may help you, such as:
- driving lessons
- support for your health and well-being, such as a holiday
- help with housework
However, you cannot use direct payments to buy services for the person you care for.
The needs of the person you are caring for should be discussed in their own needs assessment.
Record keeping
If you receive direct payments, you'll need to account for the money you spend.
Your Trust will tell you what records you need to keep and what information you must provide.
These include timesheets signed by personal assistants, or receipts for services from agencies.
The Trust will want to make sure that your needs are being met. They should tell you how they will check this. This may involve a visit to your home.
What to do if your circumstances change
If your needs change, even in the short-term, such as changes to your condition, or a hospital stay, contact your Trust as soon as possible so that they can reassess what you need.
If you're caring circumstances change
If the needs of the person you care for change, this could alter your caring role in the long or short term.
Contact your Trust about any changes immediately.
They can reassess the support services you need and your level of direct payments.
Stopping direct payments
You can decide if you want the Trust to arrange the support you need instead.
If the Trust decides you cannot manage with direct payments, it might decide to stop making direct payments and provide services instead.
Specific queries
If you have a query about your own situation, your HSC Trust is the best place to start.
Each Trust implements direct payments in its own way. They will also be able to put you in touch with local support services.