Information and advice
Introduction to Direct Payments
If you have been assessed as having eligible care and support needs, and the council will help you with the costs, you will be offered a personal budget.
Some people prefer the council to arrange and pay for their support. This is called a ‘managed budget’. Other people prefer to arrange their own support – you can do this using a direct payment.
What is a Direct Payment?
With a direct payment, the council pays your personal budget into an account. You then choose the support to meet the needs set out in your support plan, and arrange payment for this using the money in the account.
Some people choose a direct payment because it offers more choice about what support you can pay for, and you can choose your own staff to support you.
What can I use a Direct Payment for?
You will agree how to use the direct payment with your social care worker. They will write down how you will use it in the support plan, so everyone is clear. Some examples of how people use direct payments are:
To employ personal assistant(s) to provide care at home
Support to get out and about
Buying services from a care agency
Attending day activities
Respite care for short breaks (up to 4 weeks a year)
Buying equipment to help you become more independent which is not available from the council.
Using a Direct Payment to employ someone
Some people use a direct payment to recruit and choose their own staff. This gives a lot of choice and control over your support, but also comes with responsibilities, as you become an employer. This information sheet lets you know what this involves.
What is a Personal Assistant?
A personal assistant (PA) can support you with a wide range of tasks, tailored to your needs. This might include personal care, household tasks, getting out and about, social opportunities, and developing your independent living skills.
Will I be their Employer?
Yes. The council provides money towards wages – but you are the PA’s employer, not the local authority. As an employer, you need to treat your staff fairly, and follow employment legislation.
Don’t worry if this seems daunting – Check out our Employer Support page here for information and guidance.
Recruiting a PA
You can use an accredited Direct Payment Support Services to help you through the recruitment of your PA(s), arranging employer insurance, and completing criminal records checks. The council provides money towards these costs.
Check out our Find a PA section here to see a list of available Personal Assistants in North Tyneside right now!
Additional Resources
Disability North
Disability North is a registered charity promoting inclusion, independence and choice for disabled people and their families by providing information, advice and support on any aspect of disability.
The needs of disabled people, older adults and their families are at the heart of our services and our free, impartial advice empowers them to make informed decisions, maximizing the control they have over their own lives.
To promote inclusion, independence and choice for disabled people and their families.
Northumbria Payroll Solutions
Northumbria Payroll Solutions offer a range of services to help you take control of your care and lead an independent life.
Through this care at home can be provided by trusted professional care workers. You can rely on our advisors to help you recruit, select and manage your assistants.
If you are looking for direct payments support, carers or payroll Please call Northumbria Payroll Solutions today.
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