Changes to direct payment system

Direct payments are when we make payments directly to you or an appointed 'suitable person' (someone who can act on your behalf), such as a family member. If you choose this method, you can arrange and pay for your own support instead of using the services we provide.

From late 2018 we will be offering people a pre-paid card account for receiving direct payments. This is a simple process as you do not have to open a separate bank account or return bank statements to us. You can also use the pre-paid card account to make payments over the internet or telephone and set up direct debits and standing orders to pay for services.

If you feel that you may not be able to manage a pre-paid card account, one of our staff will explain the alternative option for receiving direct payments.

Spending your direct payment

Direct payments can only be used to pay for support set out in your support plan. It cannot be used for other things, such as:

health care

general household bills or living costs

residential or nursing care home fees, unless it's for short periods of care.

If you have more than eight weeks of your personal budget allocation which you have not spent, we will look into the reasons why this has happened. If you have a direct payment and the accrual has not been agreed with your social care worker, you will be expected to return this money to us.