carers Direct Payment

[Shell101010]

hello, we are about to apply for the above for care for our daughter. Has anyone experienced whereby a family member can be the PA? Can our 16 year old son? Many thanks

[Jofisher]

my daughter was a carer for her brother and was paid so yes they can

[Shell101010 in reply to Jofisher]

wonderful thanks Jofisher was she of similar age if you don’t mind me asking? And the LA were happy with this? Thanks

[Jofisher in reply to Shell101010]

yep she was around 16 as well just make the case that he knows his sister best and he could get a job elsewhere but he wants to be there for his sister and he knows his sister would prefer that to. Staff often let you down he won’t as it’s for his sister.

[Galwaybay2]

We were specifically told we could not pay a family member.

[Helpuspls]

hi, it definitely can be a family member but they can’t be living at the same address

[DorrieReynolds]

Yes, my daughter could only be paid as a carer for my son once she'd left home.

[Shell101010]

Thanks everyone for replying. Seems we would have a problem as her bother will be at home. We are on a 14 week wait list to be considered for this. Many thanks

[Actor000]

Hi there, yes a family member can be a P.A. to another fam/mem under the D/P scheme i have been one to my son now for over 15 years. You will need to appoint someone to be "The Employer" and also decide if you want a "Managed Service" or a "direct service".

[Actor000 in reply to Actor000]

Follow on from last reply..........Anyone can be the employer, a family member or trusted friend, you could even share the responsibility with someone who would be willing, but i believe the "EMPLOYER" would be a one named person, but check that out.

[Shell101010]

thank you so much… just one more question if I can. Does this impact tax? If it classed as a second job if someone already as a part time job? Thanks

[Creamcrackers20 in reply to Shell101010]

Yes it would impact tax and is classed as a 2nd job.On the subject of the PA living in the same house as the person cared for, I do believe there are cases where they can still be paid, maybe it varies between Counties but it shouldn't as there is a huge lack of suitable carers available. So if Families are willing to step up why shouldn't they be paid. As you rightly say, family know the cared for person best but if you manage to find suitable carers they learn in time the family members routines and how best to support the person they are caring for.

The cared for person is the employer and a "Suitable Person" is appointed to manage the Direct Payment. The suitable person can be a family member but cannot be paid a wage.

[Actor000 in reply to Shell101010]

If you are the employer this is not a paid post so it would not be classed as second job, you would not be on any payroll, nor be seeking to benefit financially, you are simply an employer with responsibilities of keeping the package of care in order, and if you chose to be a managed service it does take the headache out of payrolls/ hmrc / etc.