Receiving direct payments and eligibility

Those that are eligible can receive money to arrange care services or buy equipment.

Direct payments are a way for individuals to take control of their care and support arrangements. Instead of Hampshire County Council arranging services on your behalf, you can choose to receive funding directly and manage your own support.

Eligibility

You may be eligible for a direct payment if:

  • you have been assessed by the County Council as eligible for care and support
  • you are willing and able to manage the payment (or have someone who can do this on your behalf)
  • you agree to use the direct payments responsibly and in line with your care and support plan

Direct payments can be made to:

  • adults (over 18) with eligible care and support needs
  • disabled children aged 16 or 17
  • disabled parents needing support for their children
  • carers, including those responsible for a disabled child
  • an authorised person nominated to manage direct payments on behalf of someone else who lacks the capacity to request a direct payment

People who cannot receive direct payments

Direct payments cannot be paid to people who are subject to a drug rehabilitation, subject to an alcohol treatment or released from prison on licence.

For the full list, see: The Care and Support (Direct Payments) Regulations 2014.

Direct payments do not affect your benefits

Receiving a direct payment does not affect your benefits as they are intended to cover care and support costs and are not considered taxable income.

If you are in receipt of certain income-based benefits and have your direct payment paid into a bank account, they may request proof this is not an income.

How direct payments are received

To manage your direct payment easily and effectively, the County Council's preferred payment method for direct payments is the Virtual Wallet.

See more information about managing direct payments.

Accumulated funds

Over time, you may have extra money in your virtual wallet, pre-paid card or bank account. This will be reviewed with you during scheduled reviews or when needed. See more information about accumulated funds.

Limitations on direct payments

There are restrictions on what direct payments can be used for. For example, you cannot use them for general household expenses, rent, or any activity not related to your care and support plan.

Misuse of funds can lead to the need to repay the money or losing the usage of direct payments and your care and support needs met by a commissioned or other service.

See more information on how direct payments can and cannot be used.

Support with direct payments

If you have any questions about direct payments or require further information, contact the Direct Payment Support Service (DPSS).

The DPSS can not assist with setting up direct payments. To enquire about setting up a direct payment, make a request to the adults' social care team.

Direct Payment Support Service (DPSS)