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Direct payments are sums of money paid by local authorities to people assessed by social services as being in need of services.
The payments were introduced by government with the intention of giving service users the option of exercising choice and promoting greater independence and flexibility than is sometimes possible where services are arranged directly by local authorities.
The information in this section covers the direct payment scheme as it applies in England and Wales.
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What are direct payments?
What are direct payments? What can I buy with a direct payment? -
How do I get a direct payment?
How to get a direct payment, what to do if you have been refused and tips for negotiating a direct payment. -
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions carers ask most about direct payments. -
Further information
Contact details for other organisations who can help with direct payments.