Direct Payments

Road with 8 stops depicting the direct payment journey. 1 Direct Payments explained, 2 assessment, 3 managing the money, 4 recruiting, 5 being an employer, 6 paying personal assistants, 7 record keeping and 8 closing Direct payment.

A Direct Payment is a cash payment for anyone who’s been assessed as needing support from Social Services but prefers to arrange their own care. Instead of receiving services directly from the Council, you get the freedom to choose how and who provides your care—whether that’s hiring a personal assistant or using an agency you trust.

We can support you from the moment you decide you would like a direct payment. We provide expert advice and guidance on how to set up and manage a direct payment; giving you the confidence to take full control of your support!

Matt sitting in a powerchair in front of a football stadium pitch, wearing a cap and giving a thumbs up.

Matt -

“The choice and control my Direct Payment gives me, means I get to live my life the way I want”

A man sitting with direct payment advisor Megan, engaged in a conversation about employing a personal assistant.
A lady sitting in a wheelchair, being pushed by another lady, holds a goat on a lead. This image illustrates how having support enables people to live the life they want.
A guy in a powerchair about to go up a ramp into his adapted car, with his personal assistant standing by his side ready to offer help if needed.

To make the process as easy as possible we have a variety of ways to help.

  • You can tackle it yourself, we have online videos which can help walk you through the process.

  • We can come out and do a home visit to get everything set up.

  • We will be alongside you as you recruit for your personal assistant and we will help in any way that’s needed.

  • You can call us anytime during business hours for telephone support or email us if that’s more your thing.

To watch other videos from the Direct Payments Uncovered series click here.

Meet the Direct Payment Team

  • Black and white headshot of Louise with shoulder-length blonde hair, smiling at the camera.

    Louise Maddox

    Direct Payment Manager

  • Hlack and white headshot of Lou, sitting sideways to the camera with a big smile facing forward, and shoulder-length blonde hair.

    Lou Mead

    Information Officer

  • Black and white headshot of Julie with short dark hair, smiling at the camera.

    Julie Dyer

    Direct Payment Adviser

  • Black and white headshot of Sally, sitting sideways to the camera with short blonde hair and glasses, smiling.

    Sally Hannam

    Direct Payment Adviser

  • Black and white headshot of Megan with mid-length blonde hair, smiling at the camera.

    Megan Wilson

    Direct Payment Adviser

  • Black and white headshot of Chelsea with long dark hair, smiling directly at the camera, with part of her powerchair headrest visible in the background.

    Chelsea Jinks

    Finance Assistant