People tell us Direct Payments have "given them greater independence".
Most people who are eligible for a service following a community care assessment qualify for direct payments:
- Adults (including older people) and young people aged 16 and 17 years who have a physical, sensory or learning disability, mental health needs (see note below), or living with HIV or AIDS, who have been assessed as in need of community care services.
- People with a parental responsibility for disabled children, who have been assessed as in need of care services under The Children Act.
- Carers (including young carers aged 16 and 17 years) who have been assessed as in need of community care services.
Note
Most people with a mental health problem can choose a direct payment, however there are some exclusions to direct payments for people under certain mental health legislation. For further information about this, contact the Direct Payments Team.
