Direct Payments explained

Everyone deserves support that works around their everyday life

✓ New or existing Direct Payments

✓ Free to access

✓ Face-to-face support available

What are
Direct Payments?

Direct Payments are money from your local council to arrange your own care and support, rather than having the council arrange it all for you.

They give you more say over how your needs are met, who supports you, when and how. You might employ a Personal Assistant who knows your routines, choose a care agency or combine different types of support. Your spending must meet the outcomes agreed in your support plan.

Empower can help you understand your options, explore different ways to use your Direct Payment and manage the practical details, whether you’re considering Direct Payments or already using them.

Talk to us about Direct Payments

What can you use Direct Payments for?

  • Your own Personal Assistant

    Employing someone to support you at home or when you go out.

  • Agency support

    Buying care and support from an agency.

  • Community activities

    Support to attend community groups, clubs or activities.

  • Short breaks

    Short breaks or respite for you or someone who cares for you.

  • Wellbeing and independence

    Training, courses or activities that support your wellbeing and independence.

  • Equipment and services

    Equipment or services that help meet your agreed needs.

Woman in a yellow top sitting on a mobility scooter outdoors.

Who can receive Direct Payments?

Direct Payments may be available to disabled adults, older people, disabled children and their families, and unpaid carers. They are offered when someone has been assessed as needing support and is eligible for help from their council.

The first step is an assessment by your council to understand what support is needed and whether you meet the eligibility criteria. The council will then explain your options, including whether Direct Payments are available to you.

If you already receive council arranged support, you can ask about changing some or all of it to a Direct Payment. If you’re asking on behalf of a child or someone you care for, the council will explain the assessment process and the arrangements that apply, including who can manage the Direct Payment and what it can be used for.

Two women looking at the Empower website together on a laptop at a kitchen table.
Two women looking at the Empower website together on a laptop at a kitchen table.

How do you get a Direct Payment?


1. Ask your council for an assessment

Contact your council’s social care team to talk about the help you, or a loved one, needs. If you look after someone, you may also be eligible for a carer’s assessment. You can find your local council using the GOV.UK council finder.

2. Discuss your needs and costs

Your council will assess what support you need and what outcomes you want to achieve. For adult social care, they will usually also look at your finances to decide if you need to pay a contribution towards the cost of your support.

3. Agree your plan and budget

If you’re eligible, you’ll agree a support plan and personal budget with your council, including any contribution you may need to make. They will talk with you about having a Direct Payment and how you’d like to arrange your support.

4. Set up your Direct Payment

If you choose to have your support via a Direct Payment, Empower will work with you and the council to set this up. We’ll help you understand what you can use your Direct Payment for, and what your responsibilities are, so you can feel confident in managing your support.

PRACTICAL HELP FROM EMPOWER

Thinking about employing a Personal Assistant?

Employing a Personal Assistant (PA) lets you choose someone who suits your needs, interests and routines. That might be someone you already know.

Whether you’re employing your first PA, recruiting someone new or reviewing existing arrangements, we offer practical help so you can manage your support safely and independently.

We can help with:

  • Advertising and shortlisting applicants.

  • Preparing for interviews.

  • References, Right to Work verification and DBS checks.

  • Employment paperwork and your responsibilities as an employer.

  • Payroll paperwork, insurance, leave and backup cover.

  • Keeping up with employment rules.

A few questions you might have

  • No. Employing a PA is one option. You can buy support from an agency or use your Direct Payment for other support agreed in your plan. You can also combine Direct Payments with support arranged by your council.

  • Yes. You don’t have to manage everything yourself. Ask your council about help with payments, spending records or employment responsibilities. A family member, representative or organisation may be able to help, with arrangements agreed by the council.

  • Sometimes. This could be a friend or family member, but restrictions apply. For adult social care in England, paying a close family member who lives with you to provide care usually requires the council to agree that it is necessary. Check with your council before making arrangements.

  • Direct Payments you receive for your agreed care and support do not count as income for benefits purposes. They are money to pay for your support.

  • Yes. You might need to recruit another PA, check employment paperwork or explore a different way of arranging your support. We can help you understand your options and what to discuss with your council.

  • Ask your council to review your support plan. You don’t have to wait for your next scheduled review if your needs or circumstances have changed.