Direct Payments Payroll and Managed Account Services Built On Trust.

Direct payments are funds provided by a local authority to enable individuals to arrange and manage their own care and support. Instead of services being arranged directly by the council, the individual receives funding to make their own arrangements, giving greater choice and control.

Direct payments must still be used appropriately and in line with agreed care and support plans, and local authorities retain a responsibility for oversight and assurance.

A managed account is a service that supports the financial administration of a direct payment. This can include receiving direct payment funds, making payments to carers or personal assistants, and maintaining accurate financial records.
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Managed accounts are often used where individuals want support with managing funds, or where local authorities require additional safeguards, visibility, or reporting.

Managed accounts may be appropriate where:
- An individual prefers support with financial administration
- There are concerns around managing payments or records
- Additional oversight is required to safeguard public funds
- Local authority policy recommends a managed account option

They provide a balance between individual choice and appropriate financial control.

Where an individual employs a personal assistant, they take on legal responsibilities as an employer. This includes running payroll, making deductions for tax and National Insurance, complying with HMRC requirements, and meeting employment obligations.

Payroll services exist to support individuals with these responsibilities, ensuring payments are accurate, timely, and compliant.

Pay4Care provides payroll services designed specifically for direct payment arrangements. This includes accurate processing, statutory deductions, and clear payslips and records.

Our approach is designed to reduce risk for individuals and local authorities while ensuring carers and personal assistants are paid correctly and on time.

Safeguarding public funds is a core priority. Managed account services include clear financial controls, audit trails, and transparent reporting to support appropriate use of funds.
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Pay4Care uses secure systems and works with established, FCA-registered partners where applicable to ensure appropriate safeguards and regulatory protections are in place.

Yes. Pay4Care is committed to complying with UK GDPR requirements and ensuring personal and financial data is handled securely and responsibly.

We use secure, cloud-based systems with controlled access to protect sensitive information and maintain data integrity.

Yes. Pay4Care provides local authorities with access to secure online portals where authorised users can view payroll and managed account activity in real time.

This supports effective monitoring, reporting, and audit requirements, and reduces the need for manual information requests.

Local authorities can access a secure area that allows authorised users to submit referrals using online forms. This helps ensure information is captured accurately and supports efficient onboarding.

The secure area may also provide access to reporting and live account information where agreed.

Pay4Care supports:
- Individuals receiving direct payments
- Families and appointees
- Carers and personal assistants
- Local authority commissioning and operational teams

Our services are designed to be flexible, transparent, and proportionate.

Direct payments involve a unique combination of care, finance, payroll, and compliance. Using a specialist provider helps ensure arrangements are managed accurately, risks are reduced, and all parties understand their responsibilities. Pay4Care focuses specifically on this area, bringing experience, secure systems, and a collaborative approach.

If you would like to discuss how Pay4Care can support direct payment arrangements, please contact us via the Contact Us page. We are happy to speak with individuals, carers, and local authorities.