Personal budgets and direct payments
This approach is called personalisation. It means you have more choice and control over how your needs are met.
What is a personal budget?
A personal budget is the amount of money the council allocates to meet your eligible care and support needs.
The total amount may include a contribution from you, based on a financial assessment carried out under Lewisham’s Fairer Charging Policy.
How can I receive my budget?
You can choose how your personal budget is managed:
- direct payments – money is paid directly to you (or a nominated person) to arrange your own support
- Council-managed support – the council arranges services on your behalf
- a combination – some support arranged by you, some by the Council
What can a personal budget be spent on?
You can use your budget to meet outcomes agreed in your support plan, such as:
- personal care
- preparing meals
- support with daily living
- help to access work, education, leisure or volunteering
- short-term breaks or respite
- equipment to support independence
Your social worker or care coordinator will help you identify what matters most to you during support planning.
What are direct payments?
A direct payment is when you receive the money from your personal budget directly - usually via a prepaid card, loaded every 4 weeks.
This lets you:
- choose your own provider
- hire a personal assistant (PA)
- set times and routines that work best for you
Your responsibilities with direct payments
Direct payments give you more freedom, but also some responsibilities - especially if you employ someone.
You must:
- make sure they can legally work in the UK
- register with HMRC for tax and National Insurance
- arrange employers' liability insurance
Support with becoming an employer
The Council can provide advice and help with:
- understanding employment law (wages, holidays, maternity, etc)
- registering with HMRC and using a payroll company
- writing job descriptions and employment contracts
- recruiting suitable staff
- liability insurance options
- managing and monitoring spending
Council-supported direct payments (managed accounts)
If you want a direct payment but don’t want to handle the admin, you can request a managed account.
- the Council will make payments on your behalf in line with your support plan
- you remain in control of your care decisions
- you won’t need to carry out regular monitoring or submit receipts
Monitoring and record keeping
Direct payments are public funds and must be monitored.
You’ll need to:
- keep receipts and records of spending
- submit evidence regularly (usually monthly)
- use the funds only for outcomes in your support plan
The Direct Payments team can support you in setting this up and keeping everything in order.
Who can’t get a direct payment?
You may not be eligible for direct payments if:
- you're subject to certain court orders (for example, under the Mental Health Act 1983)
- you're unable to manage the payment yourself or with support
If direct payments aren’t suitable, we can still help you explore other options.
Want to apply or learn more?
Contact the Direct Payments team.
Downloads and links
Contact
Direct Payments
Monday–Friday 9am–5pm (4.45pm on Fridays)