What are Direct Payments?

Direct Payments is a scheme where we can give you money.

You can use it to buy the help you need if you need support at home or to get out and about.

We give you the Direct Payments money instead of providing you with a care service. You spend the money on getting help to meet your needs.

Direct Payments mean that you can choose who helps you, when and how. You can also make choices about any equipment you might need. You are in control.  

You could have Direct Payments for all or part of your care.

How can I use the money?

If you have Direct Payments, you can use the money in a number of ways.

This could include:

  • to pay for support to help you at home
  • to pay for support to help you get out and about
  • to help do the things that are important to you
  • to pay for a short break

Who can take part?

You can have Direct Payments if you:

  • have a physical or learning disability
  • have mental health problems
  • have a long term illness
  • have a child who needs social care
  • need help because you are getting older
  • are a carer who needs support

You also have to:

  • be 16 or over
  • have our agreement that you need support

Can I spend it on anything?

You must use the money to pay for support that meets your care needs.

There are some things you can’t use your Direct Payments money for.

You should not normally use the money to:

  • pay a relative or friend who lives with you
  • pay for residential or nursing care
  • pay for things that do not meet your care needs

What if I change my mind?

You do not have to have Direct Payments. You can change your mind at any time and have a service arranged for you by us.

Remember, you can have as much help, as you want to manage the support you choose. You can have help to manage the money too.

Who can help?

If you are worried you might not be able to manage Direct Payments on your own, you can get help.

If you are a young person, this could be from your parents or carer. If you are older, it could be from a friend, or relative.

How can I take part?

If you want to use Direct Payments, you need to speak to us.

If you already get help from us and want to use Direct Payments, ask your care assessor for more details.

Getting in touch with us

If you, your parents, family or carers, want to get in touch with us, you can contact us the following telephone numbers:

We have a Direct Payments Co-ordinator at:

Silver Birch House
Uplands Business Park
Blackhorse Lane
Walthamstow  E17 5SD

Tel 020 8496 3000 (via Waltham Forest Direct)
Fax 020 8496 8203

Please note this building is not open to personal visitors

Who else can help?

Disability Action Waltham Forest (Provide comprehensive support during all stages of setting up a Direct Payment)
1a Warner Road
Walthamstow  E17 7DY

Tel 020 8509 0812
Email directpayments@disaction.org.uk

Download information about Direct Payments

Please click here to download a copy of the 'Managing your own social care' leaflet (243Kb, PDF file, document reference DP07-2155, September 2007). If you would like a printed copy of the leaflet sent to you please contact your local social services office.