Direct Payments

Direct Payments are cash payments made in lieu of social service provisions, to individuals who have been assessed as needing services.

They can be made to disabled people aged 16 or over, to people with parental responsibility for disabled children, and to carers aged 16 or over in respect of carer services.

The aim of a Direct Payment is to give more flexibility in how services are provided to many individuals who are assessed eligible for social services support. By giving Individuals money in lieu of Trust social care services people have greater choice and control over their lives, and are able to make their own decisions about how their care is delivered.