Direct payments

Your practitioner will guide you through setting up your direct payment. Once set up, you can use your direct payment card to pay for the support agreed in your plan.

You do not have to manage a direct payment on your own. You can appoint someone you trust to help you make decisions or manage the payment on your behalf.

The council may also agree for an authorised person to act for you if needed.

Employing a personal assistant (PA)

A personal assistant can support you at home, help you to attend activities and get to appointments. You can employ a PA directly, or they may be self‑employed.

An independent direct payment support service can help you with:

• advertising and recruitment
• payroll
• meeting employment legislation

You cannot normally employ a family member who lives in the same household unless the council agrees it is necessary. This may be allowed in exceptional or short-term circumstances.

Care agencies

You can choose to use a care agency. Your support plan will set out:

• what support you need
• how you have chosen to meet your assessed needs

Day services and other activities

You can use a direct payment to attend activities such as:

• day centres
• swimming sessions
• art classes
• other community activities

If your informal carer is away or on holiday, you can use your direct payment to arrange temporary support at home.