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Direct Payments

A Direct Payment gives Choice and Control of your life.

Direct Payments

Verity Healthcare Direct Payment Services is a specialist Direct Payment Support provider serving many counties across England. We have a dedicated Direct Payment exclusively focused on supporting DP recipients to receive the best of support.

Verity Healthcare Team offers a range of Direct Payment Services including Payroll and Direct Payment Support, Personal Assistant Finder and Matching Service, Managed Account Services and Pension Administration. We’ve step up these services specifically for individuals in receive of direct payments, personal health budget and individual budgets.

Providing Exceptional Services

Our staff are Qualified with degrees in Accounting, Finance, Payroll & Pensions Management,
so you be assured of a high quality, efficient and reliable service.

Payroll Services

One of the most significant aspects of managing direct payments involves the employment of care staff. As one of the large DP Payroll Service providers, we can offer you all the assistance you need to manage your direct payment payroll. 

Our Direct Payment Team are at hand to:

  • Assist you in registering as employers with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), ensuring compliance with tax regulations and entitlements.
  • Handle the calculation of wages for personal assistants, considering hours worked, overtime, and any applicable bonuses or additional payments.
  • Manage the deductions for Income Tax and National Insurance, ensuring that both the employer and employee meet legal obligations.
  • Generate payslips for personal assistants, providing transparency and detailed records of payments made.
  • Provide guidance on auto-enrolment into pension schemes, ensuring that personal assistants receive the necessary retirement benefits.
  • Prepare and submit annual returns to HMRC, such as the P60 and P11D forms, easing the administrative burden on elderly employers.
  • Offer ongoing support to help you manage your payroll effectively. This can include training sessions, written guides, and access to a dedicated helpline.

Employment Advice

Navigating the employment landscape can be challenging, especially for those new to managing personal assistants. Our Employment advice services offer crucial support in understanding labour laws 

  • Creating a Job Description: Clearly outline the responsi- 

       bilities, hours, and pay structure. This will help potential 

      applicants understand what is expected.

  • Advertising the Position: Leverage various platforms such

      as local job boards, social media, or community centres   to  

      reach a suitable audience.

  • Interviewing Candidates: to assess candidates’ 

       qualifications, experience, compatibility, and

       understanding of the specific care needs.

  • Background Checks: It is vital to conduct background

      checks and obtain references to ensure that the

      candidates can be trusted with the necessary responsi-  

      bilities.

These services empower individuals to make informed decisions, enhancing the quality of care received while fostering a positive working relationship with personal assistants.

Managed Accounts

Managed accounts provide a convenient solution for those who prefer not to handle direct payments personally. Our staff can help you manage your direct payment budget on your behalf, taking care of all financial transactions, payroll, and compliance with regulations. This option is particularly beneficial for those who may find the financial aspect overwhelming or who lack the necessary support network. 

Managed accounts allow individuals to focus more on their care and less on the administrative burdens associated with including budgeting and making payments to service providers as well as plan and track expenditures This reduces the administrative burden on elderly clients or their families, allowing them to focus on care rather than complications of financial management. 

By using our Direct Payment managed accounts services, you will be accessing a vetted list of service providers. This process can include background checks, training certifications, and quality of service evaluations to significantly increase your safety and peace of mind and facilitate transparency and accountability. Our services include assistance in finding suitable services, negotiating contracts, and providing advice on rights and entitlements to various benefits.

Pension Administration

For individuals who employ personal assistants or caregivers, understanding pension obligations is vital. Pension administration services offer guidance on auto-enrolment, contributions, and compliance with pension regulations. These services ensure that both the employer and the employee are aware of their rights and responsibilities, fostering a secure working environment. This might include calculating expected retirement income and assisting in budgeting for healthcare and living expenses. We provide clear guidance to ensure that individuals remain compliant, avoiding potential pitfalls that could jeopardize their benefits. This includes setting up direct deposits, managing withholdings for taxes, and addressing any discrepancies that might arise. We go beyond administrative functions by offering educational resources to help individuals understand their pension plans better. Through workshops, webinars, and one-on-one consultations, recipients can learn about their options, how to maximize their benefits, and strategies for long-term financial health. We leverage technological platforms to streamline pension administration processes, provide transparency, and keep direct payment recipients informed about their financial status enhancing communication and informed decisions.

Independent Service Funds (ISFs)

Independent Service Funds (ISFs) serve as a flexible funding mechanism, enabling individuals aged 18 and above to purchase care and support services according to their preferences and needs. With ISFs, individuals can manage their budgets effectively and invest in a range of support, including social care, health care, and community services. 

  • To pay for support from a chosen provider.
  • To access services in the community, such as day centres or services from other providers.
  • Support to access assistive devices or items such as exercise equipment/mobility aids, depending on the outcome of the state assessment.
  • Credit for care hours for vacations or day trips, where care hours can be postponed or reduced to save for these events.
  • Support for the person in their own home.

Possible outcomes of using an ISF are:

  • Greater independence, choice and control
  • Improved daily living and self-care skills
  • Increased self-confidence and self-esteem
  • Greater community and social engagement
  • Improved health and well-being

Advocacy Services

The key functions of our advocacy services:

Information and Guidance: Our team provides essential information about direct payments, including eligibility requirements, budgeting, and how to hire and manage care providers. By breaking down the complexities of the system, advocates help recipients feel more confident in their ability to utilize their payments effectively.

Navigating Bureaucracy: Our advocacy services assist individuals in completing paperwork, understanding assessment processes, and communicating with service providers 

Empowering Choice: At the heart of our direct payments services is to support our clients to have choice and control by choosing services that best meet their individual needs and preferences. 

Rights Protection: Ou advocacy services staff serve as guardians of the rights of direct payment recipients. They ensure that individuals are aware of their rights regarding the care they receive, including the right to change providers, seek reimbursement for services, and address grievances. 

Sharing experiences and strategies can be incredibly beneficial for individuals navigating similar challenges. 

Need Help to Get Started?

Feel free to get in contact with our dedicated to discuss any of your Direct Payment needs

Financial Considerations

Managing direct payments requires some administrative effort, which may include payroll processing for employed personal assistants, seeking employment advice, managing accounts, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Below is a table outlining typical fees associated with various services related to direct payments.

How Direct Payment Services Work

  1. Eligibility Assessment: Individuals interested in direct payments typically undergo an assessment conducted by local authorities or care managers. This evaluation determines the level of support required and qualifies the individual for direct payments.
  2. Fund Allocation: Once approved, the individual receives a monetary allocation based on their assessed needs. This can be administered as a one-off payment or through regular instalments.
  3. Service Selection: Armed with the funds, individuals can choose how they would like to spend the money. They may hire personal care assistants, purchase equipment, or access community programs that support their independent living.
  4. Budget Management: Recipients must manage their budgets responsibly. This includes keeping records of spending and ensuring that the payments are used solely for the agreed-upon services. Some may seek assistance from family members or social workers to help with the financial aspect.
  5. Monitoring and Reporting: Users of direct payment services are usually required to report how funds have been used to their local authority or governing body. This ensures transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

Need Help to Get Started?

Our specialist Direct Payment Team have the expertise to manage all your Direct Payment needs and

 so 100% of our time is dedicated to Direct Payments.

Key Benefits of Direct Payments

  1. Personalized Care: Our Direct Payments Team will support you to use your direct payment allocation to tailor yout care to your unique needs. The team will help you to choose services and support that are genuinely aligned with your requirements, enhancing their quality of life.
  2. Increased Independence: Our Direct Payments services help to promote your independence by allowing you to take control of their care arrangements. This empowerment can lead to a greater sense of self-worth and confidence, by allowing you to make decisions that affect their lives directly.
  3. Flexible Support Options: Direct payments is meant to provide you with flexibility to manage your care on your schedules. Whether you require assistance during specific hours or have varying needs day to day, our direct payments team will support you to receive a more adaptable arrangements compared to fixed schedules provided by traditional services.
  4. Community Engagement: Our DP team will support you to use your direct payments to hire local care workers or personal assistants, so you can foster community connections and support local economies and build stronger social ties.
  5. Financial Control: Our Direct payments Team will empower you to manage your budgets and explore different service options effectively. With access to financial resources, you can make informed choices about their care, prioritizing your needs without the constraints often associated with traditional services.
  6. Promoting Choice and Control: Central to the philosophy of direct payments is the concept of choice. Our DP team will support you to choose your personal assistants or caregivers based on your personal compatibility and preferences, leading to a more satisfying and fulfilling care experience.
  7. Skill Development: Managing personal care budgets and services can help individuals develop valuable skills. Our team will help you with financial management, decision-making, and negotiating, which can enhance your overall capability for independent living.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct payments are funds provided by local authorities or health authorities to individuals who need support in managing their care. Instead of the local authority arranging services on a person’s behalf, individuals receive money to arrange their own care. This approach promotes choice and control, allowing individuals to tailor their support to their specific needs.

Eligibility for direct payments typically includes individuals over the age of 16 who have been assessed as needing care and support. This can include people with disabilities, older adults, and those experiencing mental health challenges. Each local authority may have different criteria, so it’s crucial for individuals to check with their local council for specific eligibility requirements.

The amount received through direct payments is based on the individual’s assessed need for care and support. Local authorities conduct assessments to determine the level of support required, which then translates into a budget. This budget is reviewed periodically to adjust for any changes in circumstances or needs.

Direct payments can be used for a variety of services that support independence, including hiring personal assistants, purchasing equipment, or accessing community resources. However, there are restrictions; for instance, funds generally cannot be used for long-term residential care. Individuals must ensure that their spending aligns with the care plan established during the assessment process.

To set up direct payments, individuals must contact their local authority and request an assessment of their care needs. After the assessment, if eligible, the local authority will provide details on the budget and the process. This typically involves completing paperwork and establishing a dedicated bank account for managing the funds.

If managing a direct payment budget sounds overwhelming, there are options available. Individuals can choose to appoint a representative, such as a family member or advocate, to manage the funds on their behalf. Additionally, some local authorities offer support services to assist with budgeting and managing direct payments.

Managing direct payments comes with responsibilities. Recipients must ensure that the budget is spent in accordance with their care plan and must keep accurate records of how money is spent. Regular reporting to the local authority may be required to demonstrate compliance and effective use of funds.

Yes, direct payments can be altered or stopped if the local authority believes that the recipient no longer needs the care indicated in their assessment. If there are changes in a person’s circumstances, it’s crucial to notify the local authority so that assessments can be updated, and the budget can be adjusted accordingly.

Direct payments empower individuals to take charge of their care, which can significantly enhance their independence. By making their own choices about caregivers and services, individuals can create an environment that meets their specific needs and preferences, leading to improved quality of life and greater self-esteem.

For those seeking more information on direct payments, the best starting point is their local authority’s website or office. Many organizations also offer resources and guidance, including local advocacy groups, support charities, and government agencies focused on social care.

If you employ someone to provide care and support for you, either privately or using a personal budget, then you, as an employer, may need to make pension arrangements for them.

If your care is provided by an agency, and it pays your personal assistant’s national insurance contributions, the agency is the employer and you don’t need to do anything.

If you employ your personal assistant directly, you will only need to automatically enrol them in a pension scheme if they meet certain criteria, which are based on their age and how much you pay them.

The Pensions Regulator has information for people who receive care and support explaining what they need to do, and when, to arrange pensions for people whom they employ.

Contact Us

For all your Direct Payment needs and requirements, get in touch

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