Paying for a PA & funding
Managing pay and funding can feel complicated, but there’s plenty of support available to make it easier. This section explains how direct payments work, what costs you need to cover, and what extra help Staffordshire offers. It also includes tools like the PA Calculator and links to funding for training.
Direct Payments
A direct payment is when your personal budget is paid directly to you so you can arrange your own care and support. This gives you more choice and control over who provides your care and when.
What must be paid from your direct payment
- Your PA’s wages.
- Employee tax and National Insurance contributions (if applicable).
- Holiday pay – every PA is legally entitled to 5.6 weeks per year, which is included in the hourly rate.
- Employer’s liability insurance – Staffordshire will fund up to £90 per year.
- Payroll service costs (unless you manage payroll yourself).
Additional costs you may need to cover
- Workplace pension contributions (if your PA qualifies).
- DBS checks.
- Recruitment costs.
Extra financial support from Staffordshire
The council can help with:
- Employer liability insurance (up to £90 per year).
- Advice and guidance for employing a PA.
- Specialist recruitment fees (on request).
- DBS checks (on request).
- Payroll support.
- Managed account fees.
Tools and calculators
Funding for training
Skills for Care offers Individual Employer Funding, which can cover:
- Training for you and your PA.
- Costs for temporary cover while your PA is in training.
- Travel expenses related to training.
You can apply for up to five courses per year.
Learning and development funding for adult social care - Skills for care
