If you already receive social services, Council is obliged to offer you the option of direct payments in place of the services you currently receive. (There are some limited circumstances where you are not given this choice and the council will be able to tell you about these.)

If you’re not receiving social services, to get direct payments you’ll need to contact your local council to ask them to assess your needs. Social services (and therefore direct payments) are normally available if you are:

• An older person
• Disabled and aged 16 or over
• A parent or carer aged 16 or over (including people with parental responsibility for a disabled child)
• Effect on other benefits

Direct payments are not a replacement of income and therefore do not affect any other benefits you may be getting.