We can help you to live independently at home
Direct Payments support
The Disability Resource Centre provides a wide range of services to help you live independently at home.
A Direct Payment is a way that people can access funds to arrange their own care and can continue to live as independently as possible.
It is a way of empowering people to make their own choices and to have control over the support they receive.
Local authorities and health authorities in England and Wales have a statutory responsibility. They must offer support to people with assessed needs and the option of receiving a direct payment.
Benefits of a Direct Payment:
You can manage your own care
Hire your own Personal Assistant (PA) to support you with your needs
Be in control of your care funds and any payments due
Live independently within your own home
Have control over your life and make your own choices
The Disability Resource Centre helps you to live a more independent life
If you decide to hire a Personal Assistant (PA), you agree to take on the responsibilities of an employer such as paying tax and National Insurance. You will be expected to manage these payments and comply with employment law and legislations.
As scary as this may sound, you do not have to manage this alone. You can choose to use our Direct Payment Support Team to provide comprehensive support and advice every step of the way.
We will ensure that your payments and accounts are fully up to date and you are complying with all employment and HMRC regulations. Our Direct Payment Support Team offers a payroll service that will manage your tax and National insurance responsibilities.
If you would like our full support, we can also provide you with a fully managed account service. This allows you to still have control of your bank account, but without the stress of having to think about dates, deadlines, and compliance. We can also provide you with regular statements and updates, so you can choose to be as involved or uninvolved as you like (this service is subject to terms and conditions).
Read our new Direct payments services brochure for full details
Look through our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for more information on Direct Payments and how they relate to you.
We can help you to get started…
Arrange a free, no obligation appointment (on the phone and/or online) to chat through your options.
To get started simply send us your name, email and phone number (if you prefer us to call you).
We are here for you
Phone: 01582 470 900
Email: info@drcbeds.org.uk
WhatsApp: 07871 744157
Text us: 07871 744157
Talk to us via Facebook Messenger
Instant help
Simply click the pink ‘Chat with us”‘ or ‘Email us’ button below, open 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Related pages:
Moving and Handling training
New course dates just announced for the courses in Moving and Handling, both for care agency staff and for private individuals.
Training
Take a look at all the training options that we offer here at The Disability Resource Centre.
Disability advice
Our disability advice service is confidential, independent and free. We now help people in Milton Keynes, Luton, Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and surrounding counties. We can help you with claiming benefits, finding equipment, support for carers, direct payments, volunteering and employment, mental health, support groups, training and much more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Direct Payments
See the top 20 mostly asked questions (and our answers) regarding Direct Payments and our services for Individual Employers and PAs.
Jargon buster
Try the award winning, plain English, jargon buster. It’s easy to use and gives simple explanations to many words and phrases.
Download the “Employee Leaving Form”
For Direct Payment employers: Download the “Employee Leaving Form” on this page…
Coronavirus FAQs for PAs and employers
Our Direct Payments support team have answered your frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the coronavirus crisis.
Job vacancies for Personal Assistants
The Disability Resource Centre is pleased to partner with CarePair to advertise jobs from employers who are looking to recruit personal assistants.
Join our team of superhero volunteers
If you would like to volunteer remotely to help our charity team or as part of a work placement then we would love to hear from you. Our volunteers gain valuable experience and really enjoy helping out in many different departments including marketing, helpdesk, admin, social media and research.
Success stories
Read how we helped Anna filling in forms, Peter to employ a personal assistant, Mrs Bartool to care for her daughter and more. These personal stories will give you an idea of how we can help you.
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We are here for you…
Phone: 01582 470 900
Email: info@drcbeds.org.uk
WhatsApp & text: 07826366477
Talk to us via Facebook Messenger
Instant help
Click the pink ‘Chat with us’ button below, open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
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A change of scenery is good for us so we compiled the many excellent places to visit across Bedfordshire that are free to enter and wheelchair accessible.
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Read the signs and symptoms of cancer from the NHS website…
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Read about dementia and its different forms, diagnostic tests for detecting it early on, available treatments and prevention methods against it. We have included some links to local support groups and organisations for carers in the Milton Keynes, Luton and Bedfordshire area…
Wheelchair hire for £15 per week or £18 per week if you pay VAT
We have both self-propelling chairs (with large rear wheels) and attendant-controlled chairs (four small wheels, helper to push)…
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Read all about claiming PIP in our quick guide. Our charity team can help you fill-in your application form and support you with choosing mobility equipment…
Your open door to advice in Central Bedfordshire
AdviceCentral helps residents of Central Bedfordshire to find the best local and national advice on a wide range of topics including:
Help for carers in Luton
We offer lots of free 1-2-1 help and advice by phone, email and online meetups.
