They can be used to buy personal assistance or care.  This includes help with dressing, bathing, using the toilet, preparing a meal, housework and laundry, shopping, travel and taking part in ordinary activities.

They can also be used to buy daytime activities, equipment and short breaks.  Short breaks are also known as respite care.  People with disabilities will be able to purchase housing support from April 2003.   From April 2004, anyone assessed as needing housing support may pay for it with direct payments.  Housing support includes supervision with cooking, help keeping the home safe, managing money, and help with shopping etc.

But direct payments cannot be used to buy health care or places in care homes.

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