DIRECT PAYMENTS
💷 What are Direct Payments?
Direct Payments give you more choice over who provides your care.
If your Local Authority, i.e. Wiltshire Council, helps fund your care, you may be entitled to receive your funding as a Direct Payment.
Rather than the council arranging your care for you, the funding is paid to you (or someone acting on your behalf), allowing you to choose the care provider that's right for you.
This gives you greater flexibility, independence and control over the support you receive.
❤️ Your Care. Your Choice.
You have the freedom to choose the care provider that's right for you.
Many people believe they have to use the care provider arranged by the local authority. In many cases, that's simply not true.
If you receive Direct Payments, you can choose who provides your care and how your support is delivered.
At Melksham Homecare, we're proud to provide compassionate, nurse-led care that's built around you—not the other way around.
🔄 Thinking of changing care provider?
You may be able to switch to Melksham Homecare.
Many people choose to change provider because they want:
✔ Consistent carers they know and trust
✔ More flexible visit times
✔ A local team that listens
✔ Care tailored to their individual needs
Understanding Direct Payments
Direct Payments are one way that your local authority can provide your personal budget if you've been assessed as having eligible care and support needs. Instead of your local authority arranging all of your care, the funding is paid to you (or someone acting on your behalf), giving you greater choice and control over how your care is delivered.
With Direct Payments, you can use your funding in different ways, depending on your agreed Care and Support Plan. Many people choose to:
- Purchase care from a regulated home care provider, such as Melksham Homecare.
- Employ their own Personal Assistant (PA).
- Purchase equipment or services that help meet their assessed care needs.
- Combine different types of support to create a package that best suits their individual needs.
Direct Payments are designed to give you more flexibility, greater independence and real control over the support you receive. They allow you to decide who provides your care, when your visits take place and how your support is delivered, provided it meets the outcomes agreed in your Care and Support Plan.
If you prefer, your local authority can continue to arrange your care on your behalf instead, or you may be able to choose a combination of council-arranged services and Direct Payments, depending on your circumstances.
As a Wiltshire-based home care provider, Melksham Homecare primarily supports people living in Wiltshire and the surrounding areas. If your care is funded by a neighbouring local authority, we're still happy to discuss your options and, where possible, provide support.
✔ Can I choose my own care provider?
Yes. If you receive Direct Payments, you can usually choose the care provider that's right for you.
✔ Can I change from my current provider?
Often, yes. Many people successfully change providers to find care that's a better fit for their needs.
✔ Can Melksham Homecare help?
Absolutely. We'll happily explain your options and answer any questions, with no obligation.
Common Questions About Direct Payments
What are Direct Payments?
Direct Payments are funds provided by your local authority to help pay for your eligible care and support needs. Instead of the local authority arranging your care, the funding is paid to you (or someone acting on your behalf), allowing you to choose how your care is provided.
Who can receive Direct Payments?
If you've had a Care Act assessment and your local authority has agreed that you have eligible care and support needs, you may be offered Direct Payments. Carers may also be eligible following a Carer's Assessment.
Do I have to have Direct Payments?
No. Direct Payments are entirely optional. If you would rather your local authority continue arranging your care, you can usually choose to do so.
Can I choose my own care provider?
Yes. One of the main benefits of Direct Payments is that they allow you to choose the care provider that's right for you, provided they can meet your assessed care needs.
Can I use Direct Payments to pay Melksham Homecare?
Yes. Many people use their Direct Payments to purchase care from a regulated home care provider like Melksham Homecare. We'll work with you to ensure the care you receive matches your agreed Care and Support Plan.
I'm already receiving council-funded care. Can I change providers?
In many cases, yes. If you're receiving Direct Payments, changing provider is often straightforward. If your care is currently arranged by your local authority, they can advise whether Direct Payments are suitable for your circumstances.
Do I have to employ my own carers?
No. Some people choose to employ a Personal Assistant, but many prefer to use a regulated home care provider. This means you receive professional care without taking on the responsibilities of being an employer.
Will I have to pay anything towards my care?
Some people are asked to contribute towards the cost of their care following a financial assessment by their local authority. If this applies to you, you'll be told how much you're expected to contribute.
Most local authorities require Direct Payments to be paid into a separate bank account used solely for managing the Direct Payment funds. This helps keep the funding separate from the person's everyday finances and makes it easier to monitor how the money is being spent.
Can Direct Payments be used for anything?
No. Direct Payments must be used to meet the eligible care and support needs identified in your Care and Support Plan. They cannot be used for general household expenses or anything unrelated to your assessed needs.
Can someone manage Direct Payments on my behalf?
Yes. If you need support managing your Direct Payments, a trusted family member, friend or authorised representative may be able to help. Your local authority can explain the options available.
How do I apply for Direct Payments?
The first step is to contact your local authority's Adult Social Care team and request a Care Act assessment if you haven't already had one. They'll discuss your needs, explain your options and tell you whether Direct Payments are suitable for your circumstances.
Can Melksham Homecare help me understand my options?
Absolutely. Whether you're exploring Direct Payments for the first time or thinking about changing care providers, we're happy to answer your questions and explain how the process works. There's no pressure or obligation—just friendly, honest advice.
Useful Information & Further Reading
If you'd like to learn more about Direct Payments, paying for care or the support available in your area, these organisations provide reliable information and guidance.
🏛️ Wiltshire Council
Information about adult social care, assessments, Direct Payments and support available in Wiltshire.
Wiltshire Council Adult Social Care
💷 GOV.UK – Direct Payments
A simple guide explaining who can receive Direct Payments and how to apply through your local authority.
Apply for Direct Payments (GOV.UK)
📖 Care Act Guidance
Government guidance explaining how Direct Payments work, who is eligible and how they can be used.
Care and Support Statutory Guidance (Direct Payments)
❤️ Age UK Wiltshire
Independent advice on paying for care, care needs assessments, Direct Payments, Attendance Allowance, NHS Continuing Healthcare and support for carers.
Age UK Wiltshire – Organising Care and Support
🩺 NHS Continuing Healthcare
Some people with significant health needs may be eligible for care funded entirely by the NHS rather than their local authority.
NHS Continuing Healthcare Guidance
Need some help understanding your options?
Social care funding can feel confusing, but you don't have to work it out alone. Whether you're exploring Direct Payments, paying for care yourself or simply want to understand what's available, our friendly team is always happy to help.
Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation conversation.