Direct payments

A direct payment is one of the ways you can choose to receive your personal budget following an assessment by Gateshead Council. Direct payments are payments that are paid to you to allow you to manage some or all of your eligible care and support needs.

Direct payments give more choice and control promoting flexibility and independence because you can make your own decisions about how your care and support is delivered. Social care staff can help and support you, as you decide whether direct payments are for you.

Direct payments must be safe, legal and meet your care and support needs. You can choose to manage your direct payment yourself or you can ask Gateshead council to manage a direct payment on your behalf. 

If you are over 18 years old, you may need to contribute towards their direct payment - to determine this you will need to undergo a financial assessment.

Direct payments will not affect your social security benefits or your tax liabilities and it is not income so cannot be spent on anything else.