Direct payments
What is a direct payment?
A direct payment is money from Lancashire County Council, which can be paid to you if you're eligible to get social care.
You use this money to arrange your own care and support.
This is instead of our social care teams arranging services for you.
Direct Payments are a great way to get more choice and control over your care.
Why choose direct payments?
Direct Payments put you in charge.
You can choose:
who supports you
when they support you
how they support you
You pick the care you want to help you live independently and achieve what you want to.
Who can get a Direct Payment?
You can ask for a Direct Payment if the council has assessed you and agreed you need care and support.
Direct payments can be for:
adults who need care and support
parents or carers of disabled children
young people moving into adult services
If you can't manage the money yourself, someone you trust can help you.
What can I use the money for?
You can use a direct payment for support that is agreed in your care and support plan.
For example, you could:
Pay a care provider (often called a care agency) to help you at home with tasks like washing, dressing, or cleaning.
Employ a personal assistant (PA) to support you with a range of tasks at times that suit you.
Pay for transport so you can get to and from activities, appointments, or groups in your community.
Buy equipment or technology that helps you stay safe and independent at home, including Technology Enabled Care or other gadgets.
Pay for day activities or community support such as help to go to a club, class, day service or local group.
Pay for a short break (sometimes called respite care), like short-term support to give you and/or your carer a break
What can I not use the money for?
You must not use the money for things that are not in your care and support plan.
For example, you cannot use it for:
household bills
Food and drinks
anything else outside your agreed plan
You might be able to get benefits to help towards general living costs. For more information, read the GOV.UK benefits page.
Help with Direct Payments
We'll be happy to talk through Direct Payments with you if you have any questions.
If you apply and are eligible for a Direct Payment, you'll get all the help you need to manage the payments.
We have asked Lancashire Independent Living Service (LILS) to provide ongoing support for people who get Direct Payments from us.
How to ask for a direct payment
If you already have a social care worker, ask them about Direct Payments.
If you are new to adult social care, contact us on 0300 123 6720
Visit our Policy Portal for more detailed information on our Direct Payment policy.