What are Direct Payments?

​If you care for someone and they have been assessed as needing support from social care, you may be offered a Personal Budget to help meet those needs. A Direct Payment is one way of receiving this funding, where the money is paid directly to you (or someone on your behalf) so you can arrange care and support in a way that works best for you and the person you care for. This can give you more choice and flexibility, such as choosing who provides support, when it happens, and even employing a personal assistant. While this approach offers greater control, it also comes with responsibilities, including managing the budget, keeping records, and ensuring the money is used as agreed in a support plan. There is support available if you need help with managing a Direct Payment, and you can also choose a mix of council-arranged services and Direct Payments if that suits your situation better.

​On this page, you can find more information about Direct Payments, including a short video and a factsheet produced by Nottinghamshire County Council.

See Nottinghamshire County Council's Direct Payments information leaflet (Click Here)