Direct Payments have become one of the most important tools in modern social care, giving people far greater choice and control over the support they receive. At Quarry Homecare in Liverpool we work closely with individuals families social workers and health professionals to help them understand how Direct Payments work and how they can be used to fund high quality home care.
This guide explains what Direct Payments care is how it works who is eligible and why it has become such a central part of personalisation in the UK care sector.
What is Direct Payments Care? (Quick Definition)
Direct Payments care is care and support that a person buys themselves using money provided by their local authority or the NHS. Instead of the council arranging care, the individual receives an agreed amount of funding which they can use to choose their own provider such as Quarry Homecare. This gives the person more choice over who delivers their care and how it is delivered.
The Legal Basis for Direct Payments
Direct Payments sit at the heart of the Care Act 2014, which sets out people’s rights to a personal budget and to greater control over how their care is arranged. Any adult with eligible needs can request Direct Payments as long as they are willing and able to manage the payment or have someone who can do it for them.
Key principles of the Act include:
Personalisation and individual choice
Transparency around funding
A focus on wellbeing and outcomes
Direct Payments can also be offered to carers children young carers and people receiving NHS Continuing Healthcare through Personal Health Budgets.
Local authorities increasingly use digital payment systems and prepaid cards to make the process more transparent and easier to audit.
Who Can Receive Direct Payments?
Direct Payments are available to:
Older adults who need support at home
Adults with disabilities or long term health conditions
Carers who receive support in their own right
Parents of disabled children
Young people aged 16 to 17 moving into adult services
People eligible for Personal Health Budgets through the NHS
In Liverpool Sefton Knowsley and Wirral Direct Payments are routinely offered as part of the personalisation pathway.
How Direct Payments Work: Step by Step
- Assessment of Needs: The local authority or NHS completes an assessment to identify eligible needs.
- Support Planning: A plan is created that sets out the outcomes and type of help the person needs.
- Agreement to Receive Direct Payments: The person signs a Direct Payments agreement and responsibilities are explained clearly.
- Setting Up the Account: Payments are usually made to a prepaid card or a managed account.
- Choosing a Care Provider: Individuals can select a provider such as Quarry Homecare or choose to employ a Personal Assistant.
- Managing Payments: Spending is recorded and monitored with support from the council’s Direct Payments team.
- Review: The plan and budget are reviewed regularly to ensure the support continues to meet the person’s needs.
Digital portals are now common which helps reduce paperwork and improves accessibility for service users.
What Can Direct Payments Be Used For?
People can use Direct Payments for a wide range of support including:
Home care such as personal care medication assistance and meal preparation
Support to access the community
Respite for unpaid carers
Employing Personal Assistants
Specialist or bespoke support services
Technology that improves wellbeing or independence where agreed in the care plan
At Quarry Homecare we work with individuals to build flexible person centred care packages that reflect their goals lifestyle and preferences.
What Direct Payments Cannot Be Used For
Direct Payments cannot be used for:
Everyday living costs such as rent or food
Alcohol tobacco gambling or other restricted purchases
Services normally provided by mainstream NHS treatment
Paying close family members living in the same household unless the council agrees there is an exceptional reason
Councils carry out financial audits to ensure payments are used appropriately.
Benefits of Using Direct Payments for Care
For individuals and families
Greater choice over who provides care
Flexibility in how and when support is delivered
The ability to build a consistent relationship with carers
More culturally appropriate or personalised support
For care professionals and commissioners
Supports policy goals around personalisation
Improves outcomes by matching care to individual goals
Reduces pressure on commissioned services
Encourages innovation and digital inclusion
Challenges and Responsibilities
Although Direct Payments bring significant benefits there are responsibilities to consider:
Administration and record keeping
Understanding safeguarding requirements
Managing employer duties when hiring a Personal Assistant
Navigating digital payment platforms which can be a barrier for some people
Support organisations including Quarry Homecare can help guide people through these responsibilities.
Direct Payments and Digital Inclusion
Most councils now use prepaid cards and online monitoring systems as part of their Direct Payments offer. These help improve transparency and reduce fraud but can also create challenges for people with low digital confidence.
Supporting digital inclusion is now essential in social care. Quarry Homecare encourages:
Clear accessible instructions
Support for older adults who are new to digital tools
Involvement of trusted family members if needed
Use of secure communication and scheduling tools to support care management
Digital inclusion ensures that Direct Payments work smoothly for everyone.
How Quarry Homecare Supports Direct Payments Clients
Quarry Homecare in Liverpool offers full support to people who want to use Direct Payments including:
Guidance on how to request Direct Payments from your local authority
Help understanding how budgets work
Flexible high quality home care tailored to the individual’s goals and outcomes
Transparent communication with families social workers and health teams
Digital friendly systems that make scheduling and updates simple
We support Direct Payments clients across Liverpool City Region and work closely with local councils to ensure care is delivered safely and effectively.
Take Away Thoughts
Direct Payments care gives people real choice and control over how their support is delivered. It allows individuals to shape their care in a way that fits their life and priorities while ensuring that funding is used effectively. Quarry Homecare is here to help guide you through every step whether you are new to Direct Payments or looking for a trusted provider in Liverpool.
If you would like friendly expert advice on using Direct Payments to fund your home care support please get in touch with the Quarry Homecare team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Direct Payments affect benefits?
No. Direct Payments are not treated as income.
Can I hire a family member?
Only in exceptional circumstances and only if approved by the council.
Can I change providers?
Yes. Direct Payments give you the freedom to switch to a provider that better meets your needs such as Quarry Homecare.
Is Direct Payments care regulated?
If you choose a CQC regulated provider like Quarry Homecare the service is fully inspected and regulated.
What if I cannot manage the money myself?
You can nominate someone to manage it or the council can arrange a managed account.
