Secondary school applications close 31 October
If your child starts secondary school in September 2027, apply for a school place by Saturday 31 October.
Direct payments
Get money from us to arrange and pay for your own care.
If you're eligible for care and support, you can choose to get a direct payment instead of care arranged by us. You decide who supports you and when.
What you can use it for
- employing a personal assistant
- paying a care agency of your choice
- activities that meet your needs in your care plan, such as day services or classes
You cannot use it for permanent care home places, or for things not in your care plan.
Apply
Ask your social care worker, or contact us.
What happens next
We'll pay the money into a separate bank account or a prepaid card every 4 weeks. You'll need to keep receipts and show us how it's spent. Our direct payments support team can help you employ staff and do the paperwork.