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Do you want to know more about Personal Budgets?

What is a Personal Budget in Social Care?

A personal budget is the amount of money your local council agrees is needed to meet your assessed social care and support needs. Depending on your financial situation, the council may cover the full cost, or you may be required to contribute.

How is the money paid?

There are several ways a personal budget can be managed:

  • Notional Budget
    The council manages your personal budget and arranges the care and support on your behalf.
  • Third-Party Budget
    The council pays the money to an independent organisation, such as a care provider. (Note: There may be extra charges for this.)
  • Direct Payment
    The council pays the money directly to you, or someone you nominate. This gives you more flexibility — for example, to hire your own care workers or a personal assistant.
  • Mixed Package
    A combination of the above. For instance, the council might arrange part of your care while giving you direct payment for the rest.

Why might you want someone else to manage the budget?

There are many valid reasons to have the budget managed by someone else, including:

  • You’re not comfortable taking on employer responsibilities (e.g. hiring a PA)
  • You’re flexible about who provides your care
  • You’d prefer to avoid paperwork (you can nominate a trusted person to help)
  • You spend extended time in hospital
  • You don’t feel confident managing money

What can direct payments be used for?

Direct payments can be used if your support is provided:

  • In your own home
  • In the community
  • During short-term stays in a care home (not for permanent placements)

They can be used for:

  • Employing your own care workers
  • Buying services from voluntary or private agencies
  • Purchasing support tailored to your assessed needs
  • Paying someone to support you in getting out and about — whether to a café, place of worship, the shops, or social activities

Note: Direct payments cannot be used for everyday expenses like rent or utility bills.

Need more guidance?

  • Want to understand how financial assessments work?
  • Curious about the steps to apply for a personal budget?
  • Already receiving direct payments and need help managing the budget more effectively?
  • Looking for safe and legal ways to recruit a personal assistant or administrator?

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(References: AgeUK, Kings Fund, NHS, Independent Age)