About Direct Payments or DPs

A direct payment or DP is a different way of getting the support you need. It is money the Council can give you so you buy the support you want. You can choose to have a direct payment instead of using Council services.

Direct payments can mean a better quality of life for you. This is because

• You choose what services you use, when you use them and who you get them from.
• They are a good way of being as independent as possible.
• You are in charge.

What a direct payment can buy

You can use your direct payments to get the support that suits you best. We will meet you to talk about your assessed needs and make sure they are being met.

You can buy or pay for

• Personal Assistant or PA
• Contract with a care agency
• Equipment to help you
• Short breaks - this is sometimes called respite
• Mixed package of these kinds of support.

You might want to use direct payments to meet all of your needs. You can also choose to arrange some of your support as a direct payment and get our services for other things.

This video telling Kenny's story explains how he uses his direct payments to employ personal assistants. You can also watch seven other stories that explain the benefits of direct payments in people's own words.

Further information

Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living provide independent advice and information as well as payroll and training services.

Scottish Personal Assistant Employers Network provides advice and support for people who employ Personal Assistants.