What direct allowance programs are

Direct allowance programs give individuals (rather than institutions) the funding and flexibility to hire their own care workers and manage their own care. Instead of receiving services delivered by CLSC-employed workers, the person receives money or vouchers to arrange care on their own terms.

These programs are designed for people who:

• Prefer to choose who provides their care
• Want a consistent caregiver rather than rotating CLSC workers
• Have family members or community members willing to provide paid care
• Need flexibility in scheduling that the CLSC system cannot always provide

Programme d'allocation directe

The Allocation directe program in Quebec allows individuals assessed as eligible for home care to receive a financial allocation — paid by the regional health authority — to purchase services independently.

Who qualifies: People already assessed as eligible for CLSC home care services, who choose the self-managed model.

How it works: The individual receives a funding allocation and takes on the role of managing their own workers — hiring, scheduling, and directing care. Administrative support may be available.

Important: This program involves significant administrative responsibility. The person or their family must be capable of managing the employment relationship.

Ask your care coordinator about this option if the standard CLSC service delivery model does not suit your situation.

Chèque emploi-service (CES)

The Chèque emploi-service is a simplified option designed to reduce the administrative burden of direct employment. The CLSC manages payroll and deductions on behalf of the client, who selects and directs their own worker.

How it works: You find and hire a personal care worker of your choice. The CLSC pays them on your behalf (from your service allocation), handling taxes and deductions. You remain responsible for directing the work.

Who it suits: Families who want to choose a specific person as their care worker but don't want to manage payroll administration.

Programme de soutien aux proches aidants (PSPA)

This program, administered by L'Appui, provides a financial allowance specifically to caregivers — not to the care recipient — to pay for respite services.

Who qualifies: Family caregivers who support a person 65 or older with significant loss of autonomy.

What it covers: Respite services such as in-home relief, day programs, or short-stay respite. Not for paying the caregiver directly.

How to apply: Through L'Appui (lappui.org), by contacting their regional teams.

Choosing the right model

Program	For whom	What it funds
Allocation directe	Care recipient (self-managed)	Hiring own workers
Chèque emploi-service	Care recipient	Hiring own workers, CLSC manages payroll
PSPA	Family caregiver	Respite services

If you are uncertain which model best suits your situation, speak with your CLSC care coordinator or contact L'Appui's Caregiver Support Helpline for guidance.