Direct payments for home care
All about direct payments and how to access them for your East Yorkshire home care
At Sirius Homecare, we believe everyone deserves the right to choose the care that works best for them. If you or a loved one needs support at home, one of the most flexible ways to access high quality care is by using Direct Payments from your local council.
We’re proud to support individuals and families across Hull and the East Riding. Whilst we don’t contract directly with East Riding of Yorkshire Council or Hull City Council - you can still use council funding to pay for our care services.
That simply means that to use our services, you need to request Direct Payments. It’s your right, and it puts you in the driving seat of your own care.
What are direct payments?
Direct Payments are funds provided by your local council and paid straight into your nominated bank account, to enable you to arrange and pay for your own care services rather than having the council arrange them for you.
This means you can choose a care provider that best suits your needs and preferences - giving you more freedom to decide who comes into your home and how your care is delivered.
Key benefits of using direct payments
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You’re in control – Choose the provider you trust, on your own terms.
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Tailored care – Your support is built around your individual lifestyle and needs.
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Consistent carers – Build strong relationships with a familiar, caring team.
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Greater dignity and independence – You’re not limited to “what’s available” through the council i.e. it’s never a case of “you get what you’re given”.
Will I need to pay anything towards my care?
Possibly. When you apply for council-funded support, they’ll conduct a financial assessment to determine your eligibility and the amount of funding you may receive. If you choose a private provider like Sirius Homecare and our rates are higher than the council's standard care agency rates, you may need to “top up” the difference. Many families find this worthwhile for the consistency, flexibility and quality of care they receive.
We’ll always be completely transparent about costs right from the start - with no hidden extras or surprises - and we’ll work with you to develop a package that fits both your needs and budget.
How to request direct payments
It’s important to ensure you’re receiving all the benefits and financial support you’re entitled to. These can make a real difference to your ability to pay for care.
1. Contact your local council and request a Care Needs Assessment:
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Hull residents: Hull City Council – Adult Social Care Self Assessment
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East Riding residents: East Riding of Yorkshire Council – Accessing Care and Support
2. Express your preference for Direct Payments
During your assessment, inform the council that you would like to arrange your own care using Direct Payments - this is your legal right.
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Hull residents: Hull City Council – Personal Budgets and Direct Payments
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East Riding residents: East Riding of Yorkshire Council – Personal Budgets and Direct Payments
3. Financial assessment and budget allocation
The council will assess your financial situation to determine your personal budget. If you wish to use Sirius Homecare and our hourly rates exceed your allocated budget, you can choose to pay a top-up to cover the difference.
4. Choose Sirius Homecare
Once your Direct Payments are set up, you can use them to pay for regular visits, personal care, companionship, medication support and more from our experienced and compassionate care team.
We’ll assist you throughout the process — including providing quotes, care plans and ongoing support.
We're here to help
Applying for Direct Payments might seem a bit daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Sirius Homecare, we:
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Guide you through the process
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Work with local councils
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Provide all the necessary paperwork
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Ensure your care is tailored and compliant
Call us today on 01482 655002 to speak with our friendly team about using Direct Payments for your care or use our contact form below and we'll get back to you.
Your next step towards the right care
We know there’s a lot to think about when arranging care. These pages explain a bit more about how our service works, what to expect from your home visits, and the costs and funding for this care.
From our carers and client stories to our vision, values and awards — discover what makes Sirius different.
Explore what sets Sirius apart — personalised care, friendly faces and a service you can rely on.
