Direct payments
A direct payment is a sum of money paid to a family instead of a provided service. Families have to be referred for a direct payment by their social worker following a social care assessment.
With a direct payment a family has more freedom and choice to access a specific service for their child or young person.
The Self Directed Support Team (SDS) helps families of children and young people with SEND to arrange their own support through a direct payment.
If you need some extra support managing your budget, or just have some questions, please phone 01634 331 351 or email sdsadmin@medway.gov.uk.
Employing a personal assistant through direct payments
With direct payments you can choose to employ your own personal assistants (PA). This option gives you maximum choice and control. As the employer you'll be in control of when and how your PA works.
As an employer you will have a contract of employment between yourself and the PA, outlining the terms of the employment such as contracted hours and when you require them to work. The PA will be entitled to 5.6 weeks annual leave per year including bank holidays. You will be required to register with the HMRC or an agent can do this on your behalf.
The Self Directed Support Team will support you to ensure you have everything in place. This includes payroll, insurance and access to advice.
Alternatively, you may choose to use a self-employed PA. Choosing this options still gives you choice and control but you would not be responsible for paying holiday pay or needing to register with the HMRC.
You will need to sign an agreement produced by the PA which should state how much they are charging, support times agreed and any notice periods you need to give to cancel support.
The Self Directed Support Team will support you to ensure that you are happy with the terms of your agreement.
Call the Self Directed Support Team on 01634 331 351 or email sdsadmin@medway.gov.uk to discuss.