How do I buy my own care?

A direct payment is money that can be given to eligible individuals by their local authority to buy services they need to live at home instead of the local authority arranging services for them.

A direct payment can give you more choice and control in meeting your care needs and can increase independent living.

• Who can receive a direct payment?
• How do I get a direct payment?
• More information on direct payment

Who can receive a direct payment?

Anyone who is eligible for community care services, housing support services or children’s services can receive a direct payment.

To be eligible for a direct payment you have to be:

• Assessed as needing community care or housing support services (which can include aids or adaptations)
• A disabled person aged 16, or over
• A child in need, assessed as requiring support
• Willing to use a direct payment
• Able to manage the direct payment (alone or with the assistance of others)

A legal representative can consent to, set up, vary and receive direct payments on behalf of a person who is unable to give consent his or herself.

You cannot use direct payments for permanent residential care.

How do I get a direct payment?

Firstly, you need to have your needs assessed.  Your assessed needs will determine the level of payment you receive.  The level of the payment will equate with the service you would have been offered by Aberdeenshire Council.

Some services provided by us have a charge, subject to a financial assessment.  The same applies to direct payments.

More information

For more information about direct payments:

• Direct payments for community care and housing support services leaflet (pdf 73kb)

Or

• Contact your care manager or local social work office
• Contact Direct Payments Caledonia, the independent support agency for direct payments in Aberdeenshire
• Look at the Scottish Government website guidance