Direct Payments (SEND Local Offer)
What are Direct Payments?
Direct payments are cash payments (rather than directly provided services), which are paid to a young person (age 18 and over), a parent or carer or to a nominated third party. These payments must be used to meet outcomes identified in a care plan or Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan. By receiving direct payments you are responsible for arranging, managing and paying for the services yourself.
If you choose to have direct payments you can always change your mind at a later date, and ask the council to provide the services directly instead.
Useful Contacts and information
NHS Choices - Direct payments and personal budgets (opens in a new window)
Carers UK - Direct payments (opens in a new window)
Employing a personal assistant
Disability Rights UK - Personal assistants (opens in a new window)
Government advice on employing someone in your own home (opens in a new window)
Paying for care and support for young people over 18
The Money Advice Service - Direct payment arranging and paying for for care (opens in a new window)