Using your direct payments
You can use the pre-paid card we give you to spend your direct payments.
If you don't think you can manage the payments yourself, you can choose someone else to look after your payments for you. That might be a family member, friend or organisation.
You can use your direct payments to buy the care equipment and services you need. For example, you might:
- set up regular payments to pay someone you receive support from, for example, a care agency or personal assistant
- pay a care agency for a service
- buy care equipment in a shop or online.
You can't use your card for things that don't meet the outcomes identified in your current care and support plan. If you don't have a copy of your care and support plan, contact your social care worker or call us on 0300 123 4042.
Employing someone with your direct payments
You can use your direct payments to employ a personal assistant. Some people say this gives them the most control over the help they get. This option comes with the responsibility of being an employer.
This might sound complicated but you can get free independent advice.