It is essential that we offer support to anyone receiving or supporting someone to receive direct payments from us. We currently fund Dewis Centre for Independent Living (CIL) to provide a range of services through a Direct Payment Support Service (DPSS).
The service is free if you have direct payments no matter how much or little you use the service. It is not a requirement of receiving a direct payment, but we would strongly encourage everyone to meet with the DPSS to discuss how they can help and support you, particularly when considering employing staff.
The DPSS can offer a range of services.
Core support
If you receive a direct payment from us this support is available to you. This support is to help you manage your direct payment. This also includes comprehensiveadvice on a wide range of topics to do with managing your own care and support, and the possible different ways to use your payment, including how to be an employer or to purchase other support services.
Payroll
If you are employing your own personal assistants with your direct payment, you will need to pay them via a payroll system. The DPSS is able to provide support with the payroll side of things. They can also provide templates and information around the documentation and support with how to communicate this information when it's needed. This service also includes detailed support around tax, pensions and other employment contributions.
Managed accounts
If you would prefer to have the DPSS manage the direct payment finances, they can act as an agent to do this. We will send your direct payment to the DPSS and theywill take care of payments into and out of the account.
Employer setup
If you are choosing to employ personal assistant of your own for the first time, the DPSS will be available to help set you up with the right knowledge and systems in place to manage staff such as registering with HMRC for tax payments.
Recruitment
Making sure you have the right people to meet your care and support needs is paramount for direct payments, and the DPSS will support you to recruit staff. This help includes writing job descriptions, advertising positions, and ensuring that the necessary processes are followed to employ staff. If at any point you need to change or appoint a new personal assistant, then the DPSS can assist you.
Although the DPSS will provide advice, and support you through the recruitment and employment process, it is not a recruitment agency, nor do they have any legal responsibility as an employer. When using direct payments to pay for a personal assistant you are the employer and hold all legal responsibility.
How to get in touch
You can get in touch with our Direct Payment Support Service on 029 2240 5060.
