Direct payments for adults – giving you the money to pay for your care

Direct payments are where we give you the money to pay for your own care services or equipment.

How direct payments work

First, we work out what care you need.  We call this a 'care needs assessment'.

Then we work out how much your assessed care will cost and if you need to pay anything towards your care. We let you know whether you can get direct payments.

If you can get direct payments, you'll then be able to choose and arrange your own care, with help if you need it.

We'll give you a direct payment account card which you can use to spend your direct payments, including your contribution, and buy the care you need. 

If you receive a carers direct payment, we'll pay this into your bank account.

More detail in these videos to help you understand direct payments and how they could work for you.

Using your direct payments

You can use the direct payment account card we give you to spend your direct payments.

If you don't think you can manage the payments yourself, you can choose someone else to look after your payments for you. That might be a family member, friend or organisation.

You can use your direct payments to buy the care equipment and services you need.  For example, you might:

• set up regular payments to pay someone you receive support from, for example, a care agency or personal assistant
• pay a care agency for a service
• buy care equipment in a shop or online.

You can't use your card for things that don't meet the outcomes identified in your care needs assessment. If you don't have a copy of your care needs assessment, contact your social care worker or call us on 0300 123 4042.

Direct Payments schedule 2026-27

Employing someone with your direct payments

You can use your direct payments to employ a personal assistant. Some people say this gives them the most control over the help they get. This option comes with the responsibility of being an employer.

This might sound complicated but you can get free independent advice. 

Carers direct payments

You're a carer if you help an adult friend or family member who couldn't manage without you – even if you're not paid.

All carers are entitled to a carers assessment. Once you’ve had a carers assessment, we could agree to give you a direct payment to help your wellbeing and support you in your caring role.

Carers do not need a financial assessment to have a direct payment. 

If you're already getting care arranged by us

If we already arrange and pay for your care services but you'd like to get direct payments, contact your social care worker or call us on 0300 123 4042.

More about direct payments

Get independent advice

Hertfordshire Direct Payment Support Service give free advice and help to:

• set up and use direct payments
• find support from social care organisations, including employing a Personal Assistant
• be a good employer.