A Direct Payment is money to buy the services you need instead of social services providing support themselves.

You will only be allowed to use direct payments to pay a relative to provide services for you, in exceptional cases. You cannot use Direct Payments to buy services for the person you are caring for.

Local authorities can issue vouchers to allow carers to have a break from caring. The voucher can be exchanged for services provided by the local authority or an organisation approved by the council.

Vouchers can help you have:

• regular breaks
• a holiday from caring for a specified period.

Vouchers will mainly be issued to the person you are caring for so they can obtain support while you have a break. They will allow you and the person you are caring for to have more choice and control over when and where you receive services.