Personal budgets and direct payments
If you need care and support, you may get a personal budget.
A personal budget is money to pay for your care. It helps you have more choice and control.
A direct payment is one way to receive this money.
What is a personal budget?
A personal budget lets you:
- choose the care and support that works for you
- think about your personal goals
- spend money on what meets your needs
- use services when and where they suit you
This gives you flexibility to get support at the times and places that suit you.
You can manage the budget yourself, or someone you trust can help.
What is a direct payment?
A direct payment is when:
- we (the council) pay money to you
- you use the money to arrange your own care
This gives you more control over your support.
How it works
There are a few steps before you get your personal budget.
We assess what support you need. Find out how to get an assessment, or get more help.
You agree a plan showing:
- what support you need
- how the money will be used
You must use your personal budget to meet the needs in your care plan.
We will also estimate your budget.
We check if you need to pay towards your care. Most people pay something. Find out more about a financial assessment.
We confirm:
- the cost of your care
- how much you must pay
- how much we will pay
We will check and approve your care and support plan before your budget is agreed.
This is your personal budget.
Ways to receive your personal budget
You can choose how your budget is managed.
- you manage it yourself (direct payment)
- a third party manages it for you
- we manage it for you
Choose what works for you
You can decide:
- how much control you want
- who manages your care
We can help you choose the right option.
Who this applies to
- people who need care and support
- carers (you may also qualify for a personal budget)
More help and information
If you already receive a personal budget, we can support you. Contact us for more help.
Information is available in different formats
If you need information in another format please contact us. We will work with you to meet your needs. If your first language is not English, we can provide you with an interpreter.
We can also put you in touch with other people and agencies who can help you, including face to face help.
