Direct Payments and the different types available
Direct Payment of benefits and pensions is different to direct payments from your local Health and Social Care Trust to cover the cost of help you need from Social Services.
Direct Payment - pensions and benefits
If you receive benefits or state pensions your money will normally be paid directly into an account. This is the safest way to pay you and lets you choose how and when you get your money.
Direct payments - arranging your own care and services
Direct payments are local trust payments available for anyone who has been assessed as needing help from social services. You can also normally get them if you are a carer aged 16 or over and have been assessed by the local trust as eligible to receive social care support.
The Department of Health has published an information booklet about direct payments.