Anybody that meets the criteria in the Care Act as having care and support needs is eligible for a Direct Payment. However, if you have savings of more than £23,500 then local authorities will not fund your Direct Payment, but WECIL can still support you if you self-fund your care. If your savings fall below this threshold you will be eligible to receive funding from local authorities following a financial assessment. For more information watch the video here. 

We are not able to recommend a specific care agency, but we can support you to source agencies that meet your needs.
For further advice phone 0117 947 9933 or email: [email protected]

• By Direct Debit – Phone 0117 947 9933 or email [email protected] and request a Direct Debit Mandate.
• By BACS transfer – account details on invoice.
• By credit/debit card over the phone by calling 0117 947 9933

If you need help to recruit Personal Assistants, we can help you advertise, create job descriptions and adverts, shortlist and interview. Click here for more information on recruitment, or for further advice phone 0117 947 9933 or email [email protected]

This depends on their contracted hours. You can calculate their statutory entitlement on the gov.uk holiday calculator here or call WECIL on 0117 947 9933 or email [email protected] for support.

Legally you much pay the national minimum wage, your local authority will advise you on a rate of pay for your Personal Assistant that is affordable within your budget.

If you want to pay more then it is likely that you will have to top this up yourself.

The local authority will conduct a financial assessment with you to assess if and by how much you have to contribute to your Direct Payment. If your Direct Payment is for a child under 18 then you will not have to contribute financially to your Direct Payment.

Tell us as soon as possible. We will support you in ensuring you properly administer maternity leave and maternity pay, and can help you find alternative support if necessary. We will advise you as to your rights as an employer and the rights of your Personal Assistant to ensure everyone is treated fairly.

We will help you implement robust sick leave procedures and understand your responsibilities to provide Statutory Sick Pay. We can help you find alternative support if necessary and to ensure you meet your responsibilities in supporting your Personal Assistant back to work.

As an employer, you can access funding from Skills for Care to pay for training for you as an employer and your Personal Assistants. For more information please contact WECIL on 0117 947 9933 or email [email protected].