Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Direct Payment - support service

A4e are commissioned by us to provide help and advice for people who need help with employment issues and support with financial aspects of the direct payment. A4e also monitor each clients direct payment bank accounts on a three monthly basis.

A4e will help with:

• writing job descriptions
• recruit and interview staff
• writing contracts of employment
• assist with Inland Revenue, Tax and NI documentation
• ensure you have adequate Employers and Public Liability Insurance
• training for both employee and employer
• payroll service
  
  

How A4e's Direct Payment Support Service can help you:

You will be supported throughout the full process, by A4e's team of dedicated and helpful advisors who can help you in all areas needed to allow you to take a Direct Payment.

• Explore the options available to you and assist you with all accurate information and advice to enable you to choose if a Direct Payment is for you.

• Identify and assemble the package of care and support, best suited to your needs

• Provide you with support to complete and maintain records, and calculate tax and National Insurance

• Provide you with the support to recruit, interview, employ, and pay carers and personal assistants

• Provide you with a payroll service

• If you wish to contract with a care agency, A4e team will assist you in choosing an agency; however you may not get as much value for your money
  
  

A4e understand that the support required will vary according to your skills and needs, and although some people will only need assistance in the initial stages, others may require longer-term support.

In order to make an informed choice it is important that you are aware of all the services that are available to you, and that you fully understand the implications of receiving a Direct Payment, so please ask your social worker, care manager or A4e Advisor.

For further information, or for an informal chat on Direct Payments, please contact the A4E team.