They can be made to any adult* who is eligible for help from Social Services, young people aged 16-17 with a disability, parents of children with a disability and carers. Adults who are eligible for help from Social Services include people with physical or sensory disability, people with a learning disability, older people and people with mental health needs.

Anyone in the any above groups is entitled to receive Direct Payments, should they choose to do so, provided only that Social Services is satisfied that they are able to use the money to arrange for the care and support that they (or their child) need – either by themselves or with help.

*There are a small number of people (those subject to certain mental health or criminal justice legislative provisions) who are excluded from receiving Direct Payments