Direct Payments
Cash payments made to people who need care (following a community care assessment) by a local authority to enable them to buy their own care or support services. Care cannot be bought from the local authority. Direct Payments can be used to buy any community care services, including employment of a personal assistant, short breaks, sign language, counselling, rehabilitation, day centre attendance, equipment and adaptations. See also 'personal assistant' and contacts section for SPAEN, an organisation that provides support for people who use direct payments to employ a personal assistant.