How to use your direct payment

The payment must be used to purchase the services that we've agreed are required for your care and support needs. This could include:

• assistance to help you to live in your own home, for example homecare services
• short breaks or respite care 
• support to get out into the community or see family and friends
• attending a leisure activity, hobby group or social group
• transport and travel costs in your support plan
• equipment

There are other ways you can use your personal budget to meet your care needs. If you have any suggestions or need help finding a solution, speak with your social worker.

What direct payments cannot be used for:

• long-term residential care
• healthcare that the NHS fund
• items of equipment provided by the council
• everyday living costs, such as bills or rent
• paying a relative living in the same household for care