What you can spend direct payments on

Part of: Direct payments

Contents

There are specific things you can pay for with direct payments:

  • Buying equipment or technology that helps you live at home
  • Paying for transport to social or community activities
  • Employing a personal assistant (PA)
  • Using a home-care agency
  • Arranging day services or respite care
  • Short-term residential or short-term respite services in a residential setting

This list is not exhaustive – you can request specific funding through an assessment if an item is not listed.

Your spending must help you meet the outcomes in your support plan and be used only for your assessed care needs. If your needs change (for example, because of illness or recovery), contact your social worker for a review.

What you can't spend it on

  • Everyday living costs (such as food, utilities or rent)
  • Employing close relatives who live with you (except in exceptional circumstances)
  • Permanent residential care (unless agreed short breaks are included in your plan)
  • Anything illegal or that could bring the council into disrepute

Spending that has not been agreed in your support plan may be classed as misspent funds and may need to be repaid.