13/03/2026
“If you use an agency, you can’t use your Direct Payment.”
✔️ Truth:
This is completely false — and it’s one of the most damaging myths because it limits people’s choice and control.
The Social Care Wales Direct Payments Guide makes it very clear that Direct Payments are designed to give people flexibility in how their care is arranged. That includes:The Social Care Wales Direct Payments Guide makes it very clear that Direct Payments are designed to give people flexibility in how their care is arranged. That includes:
• Employing your own Personal Assistants
• Using a care agency
• Using a micro‑provider
• Mixing approaches (e.g., some PA hours + some agency hours)
There is no rule that says Direct Payments cannot be used with an agency.
In fact, the guidance explicitly states that Direct Payments can be used to purchase support from an organisation, not just to employ staff directly.
This means:
• You can choose an agency if that’s what works for you
• You can switch between agency and PAs
• You can use a combination to meet your outcomes
• The Local Authority must support your choice as long as it meets your assessed needs
Direct Payments are about control, independence, and flexibility — not restricting you to one model of care.
If someone has told you otherwise, they are not following the national guidance.
