Helpline 0131 669 1600
Go back to the Frequently asked questions
A direct payment is money in lieu of community care or children's services. Once an individual has been assessed as needing community care services, they can choose to receive the service provided by the local authority, or to receive a direct payment to pay for a service that they would then be in control of, or a combination of the two. The option of receiving a direct payment must be offered to the individual during the assessment.
It should not be confused with benefits direct payments, whereby benefit payments are paid directly into the claimant's bank account.
Please note the Direct Payments system was reviewed by the Scottish Executive in 2006-2007. They have produced new national guidance which can be viewed at the following website link:
National guidance on self-directed support
UPDATE have a series of fact sheets available covering topics relating to Self Directed Support. You can view and download the direct payments fact sheets from this web site.
The following people can get direct payments:
* disabled adults assessed as needing community care services
* disabled 16 and 17 year olds assessed as needing children's services
* parents, or people with parental responsibility for, a disabled child (under the age of 18) who has been assessed as needing children's services
* attorneys and guardians with welfare and financial powers to act on behalf of the person who needs the services.
The only requirements are that you can consent to receiving a direct payment and are able to manage it.