FAQ

Direct Payments are funds provided by your local authority so you can arrange and manage your own care and support, instead of receiving services directly from the council. This gives you more choice and control over how your needs are met.

Direct Payments are available to people who have been assessed by their local authority as needing care and support. This may include:

• Disabled adults
• Older people
• Parents of disabled children
• Carers in some circumstances

No. Direct Payments are optional. You can choose to receive services directly from your local authority instead if you prefer.

Direct Payments can be used to pay for support that meets your assessed needs, such as:

• Hiring a Personal Assistant (PA)
• Help with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, or personal care
• Support to access the community or activities
• Short breaks or respite care

All spending must be agreed in your care and support plan.

Yes. You must use Direct Payments in line with your agreed care plan. You cannot use the funds for anything unrelated to your care needs.

Yes. You are usually required to keep records of how you spend your Direct Payments, including receipts, invoices, and timesheets. Your local authority may review these.

Yes. If you directly employ a Personal Assistant, you are legally an employer and must follow UK employment law.

As an employer, you must:

• Provide a written employment contract
• Pay wages correctly and on time
• Deduct tax and National Insurance
• Provide payslips
• Ensure workplace safety
• Offer holiday entitlement and sick pay where applicable

You may need to provide a workplace pension under auto-enrolment rules, depending on your employee's age and earnings. If you use a payroll provider, they will usually handle the pension transactions for you.

Payroll is the process of paying your employee and handling:

• Tax (PAYE)
• National Insurance
• Payslips
• Pension contributions

No. Many people choose to use a professional payroll service to make sure everything is done correctly and in line with HMRC requirements.

Yes. Payroll can be complex, especially if you are new to being an employer. A payroll service can:

• Save time
• Reduce stress
• Help ensure compliance with the law

You may wish to consider professional services such as Paypacket

They specialise in Direct Payment payroll services and can assist with payslips, tax calculations, HMRC reporting, and pension compliance.

Yes. If you employ a Personal Assistant, Employers' Liability Insurance is a legal requirement in the UK. It protects you if your employee becomes ill or is injured as a result of their work.

In some cases, yes—but this depends on your local authority and individual circumstances. You should always check with your local authority before making any arrangements.

You may need to:

• Provide statutory sick pay (if eligible)
• Arrange alternative support if needed

Planning for this in advance is important.

You can get support from:

• Your local authority
• Support organisations
• Payroll providers
• Independent advice services