A direct payment is a cash payment provided by the local authority in place of a social care service, such as a SNIPS club. The amount depends on the child or young person’s assessed level of need and varies from family to family. Most families use their direct payment to employ a personal assistant (PA) to support their child.

Direct payments offer more choice and control than traditional council-arranged services. They let you decide how best to meet your child’s needs — for example, by choosing the right PA for your family.

However, there is a trade-off: as a direct payment recipient, you usually become an employer. This can bring additional responsibilities, such as recruitment, contracts, payroll, and managing working relationships. But you don’t have to do it all on your own – there are services out there that can help:

Direct Payment Support Service

This council-run team provides free information, advice and support for any Sheffield resident receiving a direct payment. For example, they can help you

• Find and recruit PAs
• Carry out your role as an employer
• Help with any issues you might experience

You can contact them by telephone (0114 205 6825) or email (directpaymentsupportservice@sheffield.gov.uk).

PA Champion Project

Originally set up to support PAs, this project now also provides peer support for direct payment recipients. Services include:

• 1:1 sessions with another direct payment recipient
• Monthly support group meetings to share experiences and advice with others in similar situations

The aim is to build a sense of community, reduce isolation, and help families feel more confident in managing their direct payments. To access the service, please complete a self-referral form. You can also contact the PA Champions by emailing Seirian (s.davies@championsheffield.org.uk) or Hannah (h.kerr@championsheffield.org.uk).

More information

For more information about Direct Payments, please visit the Local Offer (if your child is under 18) or the Sheffield City Council website (if your child is over 18).