Using direct payments to employ a PA
This information applies to England and Wales.
You might choose to use direct payments from your personal budget to employ a personal assistant (PA). This can give you more choice and control. If you do hire your own PA, you’ll need to know about your responsibilities as an employer.
Managing social care direct payments
Your local authority should give you information about hiring a PA. Ask them when you’re discussing direct payments from your personal budget.
Employing someone legally
If you use your direct payments to pay a PA or any other support staff, you are an employer.
If you are an employer, there are things you must do before you hire someone and while they are working for you.
Self-employed personal assistants
It may be possible to recruit a self-employed personal assistant. This means the PA is responsible for paying their own tax and National Insurance.
Check they are classed as self-employed before you hire them.
Warning Free COVID-19 testing
Personal assistants are still eligible for free rapid lateral flow tests if:
- they are self-employed
- or if you employ them directly
Order coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow tests (GOV.UK)
Hiring your PA through an agency
If you hire care staff through a home care agency, the agency is the employer. You’ll have less control over choosing your carers, but this may be the best choice if you’re not confident being an employer.
Search for homecare services (NHS)
Ask your local authority for a list of home care agencies in your area.
Managing a personal assistant
To have a good relationship with your PA, you should set out what you expect them to do and when.
Warning Job description and person specification
A job description states what the job involves and what your PA is expected to do. You should also create a person specification detailing the skills and experience you require the candidate to have.
These formal documents will help resolve any issues you and your PA might have in the future.
Skills for Care has guides on:
Last reviewed by Scope on: 16/02/2023
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