Direct payments
A direct payment is a different way of arranging services which meet your eligible needs. It can offer more flexibility, choice and control over the services you would like to receive.
Instead of the council arranging your support with one of our contracted providers we will give you the equivalent money which you can spend on purchasing the support that you would like and that will help you to achieve the outcomes set out in your support plan.
You can also choose to have part of your support funded by a direct payment and have the rest of your support arranged by the council.
Direct payments are not means tested and will not affect any benefits you receive. They are not counted as taxable income.
Am I entitled?
Most people who have eligible needs will be offered the option of having a direct payment when you are assessed by a social worker.
How much will I get?
The amount of money you receive will depend on your level of need and it will be agreed by your social worker during your care needs assessment.
What can I use the money for?
You must use the money to meet your assessed needs. You may choose to employ a personal assistant or you can pay an agency to support you. Your social worker will discuss the best way to spend your direct payments on services.
Employing a personal assistant
If you decide to employ a personal assistant you will become an employer and will have certain responsibilities for your employee under the law.
The self-directed support team will help you understand these responsibilities. We can also provide a payroll service or you may wish to manage their payments yourself. In addition:
Will I have to contribute?
As with anyone who is eligible to receive a non-residential social care service you will be offered a financial assessment to see how much you may need to contribute to the services you receive.
How do I receive the money?
You will need to open a separate bank account to receive your direct payments and send us the monthly statements. Contact us if you need help with this.
How do I pay my contributions?
If it is found that you can afford to make a financial contribution towards the cost of your service you will receive your Direct Payment minus the amount you are expected to contribute. You will need to make up that amount from your income or savings and deposit that amount in the account that you have set up for your Direct Payment.
What if my direct payments are paid into a managed account?
When we set you up on a managed account, you will have received a letter from us telling you your account details and how to pay.
If you no longer have the letter you can contact us and we will send you your sort code, account number and reference so you can set up a standing order to pay your care contribution into the account.
Direct payment FAQs
Personal assistants (Employees)
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I am having problems with my Personal Assistant
When employing your own carer you are effectively becoming an employer and must follow employment guidelines. Any questions that relate to employment law should always be referred to ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service).
You must also take out Personal Liability Insurance, funded annually by the council. The policy should include legal assistance and you should refer to your insurers for advice.
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I don't have enough money in my direct payments account to pay my employees
There should always be enough funds in your bank account to cover your care. It is possible that you have not paid your own contribution and funds have run low, there should always be enough funding to cover holiday cover or bank holidays, or you may not have claimed to cover extras such as Statutory Sick Pay. It is also possible that funding may have ended. If you require further information contact us.
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How much leave is my PA entitled to?
This depends on how many days per week they work and if they have been employed prior to the new financial year (1st April). Refer to your payroll provider.
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How many days annual leave do I have remaining?
You, as the employer, and your employee should keep track of annual leave taken. Any queries should be directed to your payroll provider who may have this recorded.
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Can my employees carry holidays over to the next financial year?
Employees should take at least 4 weeks of their entitlement and can carry the remainder over to the next year. For example:
- An employee works 5 days per week and is entitled to 28 days annual leave. 4 weeks at 5 days per week equals minimum 20 days to be taken and a maximum 8 days can be carried over.
- If an employee works 6 or 7 days per week, their minimum holidays to take would be 24 days (6 day week) or 28 days (7 day week)
Please refer to your payroll provider for further guidance.
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My PA has changed. What do I do?
All new employees must register with your payroll provider. If you need further advice please contact us.
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My PA is leaving. How do I employ a new PA?
If you need support to employ a new PA in relation to job descriptions and advertising, contact us to arrange to speak with someone from the team.
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My PA is on leave. Who can take over?
You must arrange cover for your employee to take leave. If you are having difficulty finding someone we can offer advice on contingency plans or agency cover. Contact us to request a call back.
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My PA is going off sick/maternity. What do I do?
Sick leave is paid at Statutory Sick Pay and you can employ another PA to cover this period. If the sickness is long term you may need help with a temporary increase to funding. Please contact us to arrange to speak with someone from the team.
Maternity leave requires additional funding. Ask your payroll provider for the relevant form to get funding from the HMRC.
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How much do PA's get paid?
PA's must be paid at least the national minimum wage. We can offer guidelines based on the council's funding. Please contact us to arrange to speak with someone from the team.
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Can a family member be my PA?
Only in very exceptional circumstances and this would have to be agreed by Adult Services senior managers. If you wish to explore this please contact your social worker.
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Will my PA's benefits be affected?
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Can I have additional hours for PA or Agency?
If the additional hours are a short term measure we will need to confirm if there are sufficient funds available. Contact us and provide the estimated number of weekly additional hours, the number of weeks it is needed for and the reason for the additional hours.
General direct payment enquiries
Further information
Further advice and help
The following guidance is published on GOV.UK.