Ways to use your Direct Payment

Personal Assistant (PA)

A Personal Assistant works directly with one or more person, to support them with various aspects of their daily life so that they can live in a way they choose. They’re usually employed by a person who needs care and support, and who manages and pays for this through a personal budget or with their own money.

A Personal Assistant (PA) may work in a person’s home, out in the community  or at their place of work. The role enables the person more choice and control of their care and support and to live the way they choose.

To find out more about a personal assistant role please see our Kent PA Web and the Skills for Care website.

Examples of using a direct payment to employ a personal assistant

Watch the video below to see how Hannah has used her direct payment to employ Caitlin, her personal assistant.

Watch the video below to see how Fiona has used her direct payment to employ Ashlyn, her personal assistant.

Self Employed Personal Assistants

If you have a self-employed Personal Assistant supporting you, you need to ensure the person can be classed as self-employed, as you could become liable for tax and National Insurance payments backdated from when they started working for you. Your Direct Payment may be suspended or end if the council are not satisfied that the arrangements in place comply with HMRC requirements.

Guidance on employment status can be found online on the employment status HMRC webpage.

If you are unable to use the Check Employment Status Tool (CEST) tool, or are unsure of your worker’s employment status, you can telephone the HMRC Status Customer Service Team on 0300 123 2326 from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays.

Self Employed Personal Assistants Factsheet

Community Micro Enterprises
Community Micro Enterprises can support older and disabled people in Kent who need some care or help to live a good life. The type and level of support available varies between enterprises.  Further information can be found here

Technology Enabled Care
Technology Enabled Care are digital solutions which provide people with choice and control and empowers them to live their lives. It will enable people to improve or maintain their independence for as long as possible in an environment they want to be in.  Further information can be found here

Carers
A carers Direct Payment is a sum of money provided by Kent County Council to a carer to enable them to have a fulfilling life outside of caring. 

The amount will depend on the carers assessed needs and the outcomes they wish to achieve. 

To find out if you are eligible to receive Direct Payments as a carer, you are required to have a carers assessment.  The assessment will decide how much support you need and how much help we can give you. 
Request an assessment

To see examples of the way people use their direct payment please see the videos below: