Direct payments
Direct payments is money that is given to people that can be used to pay for support and services that support their needs.
Direct Payments are a form of personal budget. They are cash payments from the local authority that are made to parents or carers when needs or circumstances are assessed to be at priority 4 level of the eligibility criteria.
As alternatives to services commissioned by the local authority direct payments can offer more choice and control and be used to buy services or support from a personal assistant.
Direct payments can be used to promote short breaks in the home or the community.
Direct Payments can be 'stand alone' payments or paid as part of a personal budget and Education, Health and Care plan.