Direct Payments – Care First Providers

Once you have been assessed by a social worker or a council officer as having eligible needs for support

You should be provided with information in order to make an informed decision about whether you will go for a Direct Payments care package or a commissioned care package.

Direct Payments, also known as personal budget is money your council or local authority pays directly into your bank account so that you can use it to pay for your care.

If you can not manage your Direct Payments yourself, you can choose to have it paid to a family member or friend who will act as the nominated person. They then take on the responsibilities on your behalf.

There are some legal requirements involved in direct payments, so it is vital that you speak to your social worker or the officer setting up your care, to ensure you fully understand what it entails and to get things right.