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Using your direct payment

What you can use a direct payment for 

  • for personal care to keep you safe, healthy and comfortable 
  • to help you take up opportunities to help you get a job or improve your wellbeing 
  • to help you connect with your local community 
  • to buy care and support services from a business or to employ someone to help you, known as a personal assistant 
  • to employ someone to give additional support if you have parental responsibility for a disabled child 

What you can't use a direct payment for 

  • buying health services 
  • buying long term residential care 
  • paying household bills or other personal expenses 
  • buying services directly provided by the council 

Direct payments can't normally be used to employ close relatives who live in the same household.