Direct Payments for Care Services

The Direct Payments scheme means that if you receive community care services, you can choose to have cash payments to arrange your own help instead of getting services organised by Social Services.

This scheme offers more independence, choice and control about the services you need. Control of the money is passed to you. People who qualify for the scheme will be able to use the money to employ and manage their own care workers, or make an individual contract with a care agency.

Direct payments are not considered as income and will not affect your benefits. The scheme is not the same as the Department of Work and Pensions Scheme to pay welfare benefits directly into bank accounts.

If you want to find out more you can talk to your social worker at your local social services office. You can also contact the Information and Access Team on 020 7527 2299.

People who are interested in finding out about direct payments for children should contact the Disabled Children’s Team on 020 7527 3394.