What are Personal Budgets and Direct Payments?
If you have health or social care needs you may get money from either your local council, or from the NHS, or in some cases both.
When it comes from your local Council it’s called a Personal Budget.
When it comes from the NHS it’s called a Personal Health Budget.
In both cases it’s the amount of money you’ll get to meet your care needs, based on an assessment.
A Direct Payment is one way you can get the money from your Personal Budget or Personal Health Budget.
The two types of budget
Where the money comes from changes how you can manage it.
Personal Budgets from your Local Council
If you have a Personal Budget from the council you’ll usually get this as a Direct Payment. Getting a Direct Payment gives you more choice and control in how your care is delivered, who helps, and when.
You can ask the Council to pay your Direct Payment to a supported bank account (Bolton Council), or to a separate bank account in your own name, or to someone you’ve asked to help you manage the payments.
Personal Health Budgets from the NHS
If you have a Personal Health Budget (PHB) there are different options for how to manage it. You can ask the NHS to:
- Manage it for you (a notional budget, only available if you use an agency)
- Pay it to an organisation that manages the budget on your behalf (a Third Party Budget)
- Pay it directly to you, or someone you’ve chosen to help, or via a supported bank account (a Direct Payment)
How we can help
Our friendly and experienced team can support you with everything to do with your Direct Payment or Personal Health Budget.
Advice and information
On every aspect of directing your own care.
Support planning
We help you build a clear plan that meets your needs.
Managing your budget
Choose how to receive and manage the money.
Recruiting PAs
Help finding and employing your own Personal Assistants, or arranging care via an agency.
Being a good employer
Employing your staff legally, including DBS checks for your PAs.
Spending your budget
Working out how to use the money so your care needs are properly met.
Is this service for you?
Our service is for you if you:
- Manage your own care in Cheshire West and Chester (or are eligible but pay for it yourself)
- Have a Personal Health Budget in Warrington, the Wirral, or Manchester Central
- Manage your own care in Lancashire (or are eligible but pay for it yourself)
Found your area? Click the area below to get in touch and access the right form for you.
Want answers to common questions?
Our Direct Payment FAQs cover the things people ask us most often about running their care, employing PAs, and managing their budget.
Read our FAQs
Visit our self-service FAQ portal for answers to common questions about Direct Payments and Personal Health Budgets.
Still stuck?
Give us a call on 01606 331 853 or contact us online and we'll help you work out the next step.