How Can You Pay for a Personal Assistant?

If you're thinking about employing a Personal Assistant (PA), one of the first questions you'll probably ask is, "How do I pay for it?"

The good news is there are several ways to fund a Personal Assistant, depending on your individual circumstances. Some people receive financial support through their local authority or the NHS, while others choose to fund their support privately.

This guide provides an overview of the most common funding options. As everyone's circumstances are different, we recommend seeking advice from your local authority, NHS team or an independent adviser if you're unsure which option is right for you.

Direct Payments

One of the most common ways to fund a Personal Assistant is through Direct Payments.

If you're eligible, your local authority may provide funding directly to you, allowing you to arrange and manage your own care and support instead of receiving council-organised services.

Many people use Direct Payments to employ their own Personal Assistant because it offers greater choice and control over who provides their support.

➡️ Read our full guide: What Are Direct Payments?

Personal Health Budgets

If you have ongoing healthcare needs, you may be eligible for a Personal Health Budget through the NHS.

This funding is designed to help meet your assessed health and wellbeing needs and, in some circumstances, may be used to employ a Personal Assistant.

Eligibility and how Personal Health Budgets can be used varies, so it's important to discuss your individual situation with your NHS team.

Paying Privately

Some people choose to pay for a Personal Assistant themselves.

This may be because they don't qualify for public funding, want additional hours of support, or simply prefer to arrange everything independently.

Paying privately offers flexibility, but it's important to consider the ongoing costs of employing someone directly.

➡️ Read our full guide: Personal Assistant Rates: A Guide for Clients and PAs

Can you combine funding?

In some situations, people combine different sources of funding. For example, someone may receive Direct Payments for part of their support while paying privately for additional hours.

The options available will depend on your individual circumstances and the type of funding you receive.

If you're considering combining funding sources, we recommend speaking with your local authority, NHS team or an independent adviser to ensure you understand how this may affect your arrangements.

What if I'm not sure what I'm entitled to?

Funding rules can seem complicated, especially if you're arranging support for the first time.

If you're unsure what help may be available, it's worth contacting your local authority's Adult Social Care team or speaking with a local disability support organisation. They can explain the options available in your area and help you understand whether you may be eligible for financial support.

Please note that PA Pool does not provide financial or legal advice. The information in this guide is intended as a general overview only and should not be relied upon as individual advice.

Choosing the Right Personal Assistant

However your support is funded, choosing the right Personal Assistant is one of the most important decisions you'll make.

At PA Pool, we believe successful working relationships are built on compatibility, not just availability. Taking the time to find someone who suits your personality, lifestyle and support needs can make all the difference.

➡️ Read our full guide: Where to Find a Personal Assistant

Ready to Find a Personal Assistant?

Once you've explored your funding options, you're ready to start looking for the right Personal Assistant.

Create a free PA Pool Client account to browse Personal Assistant profiles, advertise your role and connect directly with PAs across the UK.