Carer's direct payments

From the section: Support offer for carers

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Carer's direct payments

What is a carer's direct payment?

It is a one-off annual payment which can be offered to carers following a carer’s assessment.  Rather than the Council arranging support services, the carer receives a payment giving them choice and control to spend the money on services or activities that support them in their caring role or to maintain their own health and wellbeing. 

Who can get a carer’s direct payment? 

You may be eligible if: 

  • you are an unpaid carer providing regular and substantial care to someone living in Solihull
  • you have had a carer’s assessment and it shows that you have eligible needs
  • you agree to use the payment to meet the outcomes identified in your support plan 

What can the payment be used for? 

A carer's direct payment is flexible and can be used in a variety of ways, as long as it meets the outcomes agreed in your support plan. For example, you might use the payment to: 

  • take a short break to recharge
  • pay for leisure or wellbeing activities
  • pay for training or education to develop new skills or refresh existing skills, to enable you to return to, or continue, paid work alongside your caring role
  • buy equipment or services that make your caring role easier

How is a direct payment made?

The payment is usually a one-off amount, paid directly to the carer’s nominated bank account.  

If you do not have a bank account, you may receive this payment into a prepaid card. Or if you have difficulties managing money, other options are available.  For example, you can nominate someone you trust to manage the payment on your behalf or request a managed account through the Council or a support organisation.

How to access carer’s direct payment

You will need to complete a Carer's Assessment. This helps identify your needs as a carer and whether you are eligible for support, including a carer’s direct payment.

Complete a Carer's Assessment

Support and advice

If you need help or want to discuss how you can be supported as a carer, please contact Solihull Adult Social Care:

  • Phone: 0121 704 8007
  • Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm (Wednesdays from 10:00am)

Read how carers have used carer’s direct payments in Solihull

Julie paid for fuel costs and dog kennels so she could care for her mum

Julie lives in Wales with her dogs and is the main carer for her mother in Solihull.  She visits her mother for 20 days each month, incurring significant fuel costs as well as paying for kennels for her dogs during the summer. To support her, the Council authorised a one-off carer's direct payment of approximately £950 to cover fuel costs and dog kennels for three months.

Shamim paid for a return flight to Pakistan to get support from her family

Shamim is the primary caregiver for her two daughters with complex needs. With a very limited support network in Solihull, she sought to visit her family in Pakistan with her daughters, to receive emotional support and take a break from her caregiving responsibilities. The Council authorised a one-off carer's direct payment of £600 for Shamim’s return flight to Pakistan.

Alan bought a garden shed to support his hobby and have a break from caring

Alan cares for his son who has mental health difficulties and his wife who has multiple health conditions. He also works as a self-employed alarm technician. 

Due to the demands of caregiving, Alan struggles to find time for himself and manage his business, increasing the risk of carer breakdown.  To give himself a break, he wanted to have a shed for his gardening hobby, while still being available for his family when they need him. The Council authorised a one-off payment of £1,047 for the shed and assembly costs.

Agatha made time for self-care to support her cultural needs and wellbeing

Agatha cares for her 18-year-old son, who has complex health needs and behavioural challenges. She wanted to prioritise her own wellbeing by making more time for self-care which she believed would positively impact her mental health. 

Agatha shared that having her hair styled in a protective hairstyle would support her Caribbean cultural identity, save time during her caring responsibilities and contribute to her overall wellbeing. To support this, the Council authorised a one-off carer's direct payment of £700 so she could have her hair braided in a protective style several times during the year.