Fiducia TogetherDirect payments in education
Taking part of an EHCP's funding as money you arrange yourself.
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.
What it is
A direct payment is one way of holding a personal budget: the council pays the family or young person to buy the agreed provision themselves.
Where it applies
Anyone with an EHCP, on request and subject to conditions.
How it works
Direct payments for special educational provision have specific regulations. A council may refuse where it would have an adverse impact on other services or would not be an efficient use of resources, and must give reasons.
They cannot be used to buy a place at a maintained school, and they carry responsibilities — records, and employment duties if you employ someone.
What you can ask for
Ask for the indicative amount and how it was calculated.
Ask what the money can and cannot be used for, in writing, before agreeing.
Ask who takes on employment responsibilities if a personal assistant is engaged. Families sometimes become employers without realising it.
Where to get help
Your council's personal budget policy and its Local Offer. Contact and IPSEA advise.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.