Direct Payments let you take control of your own care. Instead of the council arranging a carer for you, they give you the money directly — and you choose who provides your care.
Direct Payments are a way of receiving your social care funding. Instead of your council arranging a care package for you — choosing the provider, scheduling visits and managing everything — you receive the equivalent amount of money directly into a separate bank account. You then use that money to arrange your own care.
This puts you in control. You can choose a provider that suits your needs, schedule visits at times that work for you, and change providers if your circumstances change. Direct Payments were introduced by the Care Act 2014 precisely to give disabled and older people more choice and independence.
You can get Direct Payments if your local council has assessed you as having eligible care and support needs. To qualify:
Even if you currently receive a council-arranged care package, you have the right to switch to Direct Payments at any time.
Contact your local council's adult social care team and ask for a needs assessment. This is free and is your legal right. The council must carry this out within a reasonable timeframe. You can find your council at gov.uk/find-local-council.
A social worker will visit you to understand your care needs, daily living activities and what outcomes you want to achieve. Be honest and thorough — describe difficulties on your worst days. You can have a friend, family member or advocate present.
The council will carry out a financial assessment to determine how much you contribute. If your capital is above £23,250, you may need to pay the full cost yourself. Below £14,250, you pay nothing. Between these thresholds, you contribute a calculated proportion.
Once your eligible needs are confirmed, clearly state that you want to receive your personal budget as Direct Payments. The council must offer this as an option — it is your right under the Care Act.
Open a dedicated bank account for the Direct Payments (keep them separate from your personal money — the council requires this). Alternatively, use a managed account service, where an approved provider manages the money on your behalf.
Now you choose who provides your care. You can select a regulated care agency like Ekvarta, or employ a personal assistant directly. Ensure any provider or PA meets the requirements in your care plan.
The council requires you to keep records of how you spend your Direct Payments — usually a simple spreadsheet of income and spending. They will review this periodically. Don't be put off by this — it is straightforward and support is available.
If managing money is difficult, a managed account provider (sometimes called a third-party organisation) can hold and manage the Direct Payments on your behalf. They pay your invoices, keep records and deal with the council on your behalf. Your council can tell you which managed account providers are available in your area.
Many people use Direct Payments to employ a personal assistant (PA) directly rather than using an agency. This gives even more flexibility — you set the hours, the tasks and the working relationship.
If you employ a PA you become an employer, which means you are responsible for their contract, payroll, national insurance, holiday pay and employers' liability insurance. This is not as daunting as it sounds — organisations like Skills for Care and payroll support services can handle this for a small fee, which you can pay from your Direct Payments.
Ekvarta is set up to work with Direct Payments clients. Here is how it works in practice:
WhatsApp or email us to say you have a Direct Payments budget and want to use it with Ekvarta.
We agree the schedule, services and hourly rate — making sure it aligns with your care plan.
We invoice you directly from your Direct Payments account. You simply transfer payment from your dedicated DP account to us each billing period.
We are experienced with Direct Payments and can advise on how to make your budget work as effectively as possible. Just ask.
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