About Direct Payments or DPs

Most people who use our care and support or housing services can get direct payments. People who may be eligible are

• parents of disabled children
• disabled parents
• young disabled people over the age of 16
• people with physical or sensory needs
• people with a learning disability
• people with on-going mental health needs
• people with continuing health needs
• older people who need free personal and nursing care
• older people who need support to live safely and independently
• disabled people with complex needs
• attorneys and guardians of disabled people they care for.

How to apply

You can apply for a direct payment when your care and support needs are assessed or when they are being reviewed.

It is our duty to talk about direct payments with you at your assessment and explain how they may be able to help you lead a better life. We need to make sure that you can manage your direct payments, and that you get the help you may need to do so.

You can still get direct payments if you need someone to act on your behalf such as an attorney or guardian. The attorney or guardian must agree to you getting direct payments and they become responsible for managing them for you.