Direct payments

[Imnotacelebgetmeouttahere]

We have been in the lucky position of being awarded direct payments for our son (4yrs) - but haven't really been told what they are for / how they can be used!

One part is for activities which is fine, he will benefit from swimming lessons and we couldn't afford them before...

The other is for PA / 1:1 care....but he is with us 24/7. Can this be used for a babysitter so we can have an hour or so off a week? Or should we be looking to organise time out the house for him with a carer ( that makes me anxious!)

I have used for both, babysitting in the house and a carer to take my daughter out. The carer does need to be CRB (or whatever the new name is) checked and registered for the payroll. I can only use cheques for paying from the direct payments account and it is audited every 4 months.

If you use a carer from a charity or agency it can be easier, just an invoice to pay rather than working out the hours and paying tax/NI.

Thank you! I'm worried about the carer aspect because as nice as it would be to get out we have 3 others also so seems silly to have 2 "babysitters" as such

We've got a DP coordinator in our area who advises on how you can use it. We've also been told that anyone you employ or get through an agency can look after your other children at the same time but that might be different in other areas so prob worth double checking. If you can build up a relationship with someone who helps regularly it can be a wonderful thing - our girls have had the same person for 5 years and now she and her husband are like surrogate grandparents. Having a break makes such a difference xx

Yes, my daughter's carer does look after my other child too. We have had the same person for over 10 years.

Oh that would make things much easier! I thought it might be awkward with 2 babysitters!