19/02/2026
‘What options do I / we have to fund the care we need?’
This is one of the most common questions we are asked by clients or their families looking to us to provide their care.
There is a common misconception that if you have less than a certain amount of personal savings, any care required will be funded by the Local Authority and you must accept the services of a select few ‘Contracted Providers’.
Whilst this is an option, it is not your ONLY option, below we explain how you can ask for control of your own Health Budget, enabling you to choose who provides the care you need for you or your loved one(s).
Direct payments - what are they?
Direct payments allow you to receive cash payments from your local authority instead of care services. This can give you much more flexibility and greater control of your support package. Below is information about what direct payments are, and where you can find more detailed information.
Direct payments explained:
If the local authority has decided that you are entitled to community care services, you will probably be able to choose to receive payments instead of the services. These are direct payments and you can use the money to arrange your own care services.
You can use direct payments to help you buy services for:
• adults
• children
• carers
What choices do I have?
If you are eligible for direct payments, you can choose to have:
• direct payments
• services that are provided or arranged by the local authority
• a mixture of direct payments and services the local authority has provided or arranged.
You can choose to have direct payments, but the local authority cannot force you to accept direct payments instead of council services, likewise the local authority cannot force you to take the services of any ‘Contracted Provider’ of care.
For more detailed information on direct payments and how you can choose your own support, please give us a call on 01704 443344 or email sefton@rightathome.co.uk.
