Direct Payments are payments made to a disabled person (or a representative of their choosing) into a bank account or prepaid card. These payments are made in advance, usually every four weeks. They enable people to purchase and arrange their own support to meet their needs. The aim of direct payments is to give people more choice, greater flexibility and more control over the support they get.

People can use their direct payments to choose how to have their care provided. Many people choose a Personal Assistant (PA) as a solution to their care needs. Some choose to use a care agency.

Direct Payments can be made to people of all ages. For children and young people under 16, payments are made to an adult who has parental responsibility.

You can receive Direct Payments if:

• You have been assessed as needing social care services to support you with daily living
• You have a disability with social care needs
• You consent to receiving a Direct Payment and either you or your representative can manage the payment

You can only receive a Direct Payment if Thurrock Council has assessed you as needing support to live independently.

During the assessment, they will determine:

• The estimated cost of your required care, which correlates with your Direct Payment.
• Whether you require financial assistance.

If you need care services and are found able to cover the full cost independently, then either:

• Thurrock Council may still provide the services, charging you the full amount.
• They can connect you with private care services for personalised support.

If you need care services but cannot afford the full cost independently, Thurrock Council will collaborate with you to determine a feasible contribution amount. They will then cover the remaining balance.

To learn more about eligibility please visit:

https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/adult-care-assessments/who-can-get-funded-help

Needs Assessments

Needs assessments conducted by Thurrock Council involve a discussion between you and one of their trained care workers.

They aim to determine:

• Your care and support needs.
• How these needs impact your well-being.
• Your preferences regarding your care.

This information assists Thurrock Council in assessing whether they can provide assistance.

You have the option to have someone accompany you for support during the assessment.

Depending on your needs, Thurrock Council may offer assistance or provide information and advice on local support options.

If they can assist you, Thurrock Council will develop a support plan and determine a Personal Budget outlining the anticipated cost of your support plan per week. This estimate may be subject to change as the plan progresses.

A financial assessment will also be conducted as part of the needs assessment process.

View the community directory  to browse groups and activities in Thurrock: https://strongertogetherthurrock.org.uk/

For information on financial help, visit:  fairer charging – what you can afford.

There are two options to initiate arranging a needs assessment:

Self-assessment

You can fill-in a self-assessment online to tell Thurrock council about yourself and your day-to-day living.

Click here to complete the online form if you would like Thurrock council to assess your situation and contact you with options.

Have Thurrock First arrange an assessment for you:

Call: 01375 511 000

Email: thurrock.first@thurrock.gov.uk

1. Submit your vacancy request here

2. Vacancy sent to Purple Match Hertfordshire register

3. PA’s on register submit interest

4. Interested PA profiles sent directly to you

5. Arrange interviews/meets directly with PA

6. Additional secure PA information sent once job offer is made
   e.g., NI number, date of birth, gender, completed document checks.

Employed PA (PAYE)

• The Employer (direct payment holder) provides a contract that details the terms and conditions of employment including PA benefits and disciplinary procedures.
• The PA must perform their work personally and cannot send someone else to do this.
  The Employer (direct payment holder) self directs the support they wish to receive from the PA in line with their care and support plan.
• The PA is paid through Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and National Insurance payments will be made on their behalf by the PA Employer.
• The PA will receive statutory benefits, such as statutory sick pay.
  The Employer (direct payment holder) must enrol eligible PA’s into a pension scheme and provide holiday pay.
• The Employer (direct payment holder) will take out Employers Liability Insurance which can be paid for from the direct payments.

Self Employed PA

• Responsibility of the person receiving support to check self-employed status.
• The self-employed PA and the person receiving support mutually agreeing terms & conditions and how support is provided – Purple can provide a template Contract for Services.
• If determined not self-employed, then there may be financial liability (i.e. a Tax liability) for the person receiving support and the PA.
• Self-employed PA’s will have own Unique Tax Reference (UTR) number from HMRCs.
• There is an initial period, during which sole traders may not yet have a UTR number.
• The PA is not entitled to sick or holiday pay which may mean the person receiving support can pay the PA a higher hourly rate.
• Less administration as self-employed PA’s are responsible to pay their own Tax, NI, Pension and organise their own liability insurance. It’s advisable to ask for a copy this insurance.