From 1 April 2026, people in Wales can receive direct payments for healthcare for the first time.
If you are an eligible adult receiving NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC), you can ask for a direct payment instead of having your care arranged by the NHS.
This change is part of the National Health Service (Direct Payments) (Wales) Regulations 2026, which follow the Health and Social Care (Wales) Act 2025.
Direct payments aim to give you more choice, control and personalisation for people with complex health needs.