Information and guidance
- Overview
- Useful MyCare Links
- PA Employment Status (ILG)
- ILG Support
- Mark Bates
- Skills for Care
- Useful contacts
- FAQs
Useful advice & Information
Click each heading to view more.
Introduction to Direct Payments
Support to manage a Direct Payment
Using Direct Payments to buy services
Using a Direct Payment to employ someone (Personal Assistants)
Using a Direct Payment (self-employment)
Direct Payments Team:
direct.payments@northtyneside.gov.uk
Disability North:
reception@disabilitynorth.org.uk
Northumbria Payroll Solutions:
What is a Direct Payment and how can I use it?
A Direct Payment is funding from the local authority to help meet your care and support needs. It gives you more choice and control, allowing you to arrange your own support in a way that works best for you.
What does a Personal Assistant (PA) do?
A Personal Assistant supports you to live independently and in a way that suits you, the role is flexible and shaped around your needs and preferences.
Do I become an employer if I hire a PA?
Yes. If you use your Direct Payment to employ a Personal Assistant, you become an employer. This means you are responsible for managing the working arrangement and meeting legal requirements.
What are my responsibilities as an employer?
Read more
If you employ a PA, you are responsible for:
- Paying wages, tax, and National Insurance
- Providing a contract of employment
- Arranging employer’s liability insurance
- Keeping records of how your Direct Payment is spent
- Making sure your PA has the right to work and appropriate checks
Support is available to help you manage these responsibilities.
Can I get support to employ a Personal Assistant?
Yes. You do not have to do this on your own. We can help you employ a PA and our direct payments team can work with you for payroll, contracts and ongoing advice.
Is training available for me or my PA?
Yes. We offer FREE training for PAs, and also work with other organisations who can provide advice and training for employers so you feel confident and well prepared.
Mark Bates
Meet Little Mark, he is the virtual helper making a great offer available to all Mark Bates Policy Holders.
Mark Bates have teamed up with Independent Living Group or ILG to offer a brilliant bespoke package.
ILG Academy offers a comprehensive selection of e-learning training packages.
ILG (Independent Living Group)
ILG Academy has been designed to support Individual Employers and Personal Care Assistants, along with Funding Bodies and Support Organisations. They can provide e-learning packages, as well as classroom based training, both in-person and virtual settings.
Their comprehensive range of services includes pre-built and bespoke e-learning packages, as well as the hosting of webinars.
ILG are proud to be a recognised Skills for Care training provider and our team of expert trainers take pride in developing training material for every level.
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.
Pay Packet
and insights
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Whether you’re looking to stay compliant, navigate payroll challenges, or simply want to stay informed about the latest industry updates, the PayPacket Support Hub is your trusted resource.
Information, Training, Jobs & Support
