Funding & Admin
Different ways to Pay for your self employed home carer:
Benefits Calculator
Check your eligibility for benefits using a benefits calculator. This can help you understand what financial support you may be entitled to when arranging care at home.
Local Authority Funding
You may be eligible for funding through your local authority. Contact your local council to request a care needs assessment to determine what support you may qualify for.
NHS Continuing Healthcare
You can check your eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding, which may cover the cost of care for individuals with complex medical needs.
Equity Release
If, after exploring other funding options, you still find it difficult to fund care, you may wish to consider options such as equity release.
OUR ONE OFF INTRODUCTION FEES
Our one-off introduction fee is paid by the client and covers the process of finding and introducing a suitable carer.
Live in Care
£1,500
12 hour care
£1,000
Awaking Night Care
£1,000
Weekend Care
£700
5 hours of continuous day care
£500
Introductory Deposit
£250
£250 Introductory Deposit
A £250 introductory deposit is required before we begin searching for a suitable carer. This amount is deducted from the final introductory fee.
Once a suitable carer has been introduced, the client pays for the carer directly for the care they provide.
Clients Pay Carers Directly:
Live In Care - 7 days
£980 - £1250
Day Care or Awaking Night Care -12 hours
£140 - £180 per day/night
Hourly Care (minimum 5 hours)
£18 - £22 per hour
(£90 to £110)
Prefer a fully managed care service?
If the Companions4U direct-payment arrangement is not right for you, please contact our sister company, Looking4Care. With Looking4Care, we pay the carers directly, manage the administration and provide ongoing support if any issues arise, giving you a more fully managed care service.
Contact: Looking4Care
Carer's Food Allowance for Live-in Care
Food Allowance Amount: Many live-in care companies recommend a weekly food allowance of £50- £60; however, some companies do not have a fixed allowance, and the amount is determined by mutual agreement between the client and their carer.
Inclusions of the Food Allowance
The allowance should cover all meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as beverages such as tea, coffee, and milk.
Carer's Responsibilities
If the carer is responsible for shopping and dining with the client, they should prioritise the client's preferences. In cases where the carer manages the food shopping solely for the client, a larger budget may be required, or the client may add extra food to their weekly shop.
Client's Dietary Needs
Clients with specific dietary requirements may require a larger food budget or additional financial support to ensure their dietary preferences are met.
Access to Cooking Facilities
The carer should have access to a kitchen and necessary cooking facilities to prepare meals for both the client and the carer.
Inclusions of the Food Allowance
The allowance should cover all meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as beverages such as tea, coffee, and milk.
Carer's Responsibilities
If the carer is responsible for shopping and dining with the client, they should prioritise the client's preferences. In cases where the carer manages the food shopping solely for the client, a larger budget may be required, or the client may add extra food to their weekly shop.
Client's Dietary Needs
Clients with specific dietary requirements may require a larger food budget or additional financial support to ensure their dietary preferences are met.
Access to Cooking Facilities
The carer should have access to a kitchen and necessary cooking facilities to prepare meals for both the client and the carer.
Holidays with carers
If you plan on taking your carer with you on your next holiday, it's important to remember that you will be responsible for covering their travel and accommodation expenses.
Paying Your Carer
We strongly recommend paying your carer by bank transfer rather than cash. This provides both you and the carer with a clear record of every payment and helps prevent future disputes or tax-related concerns. Please remember that the carer is responsible for declaring their income and paying any tax and National Insurance due if they are genuinely self-employed. However, the client must ensure that the working arrangement reflects genuine self-employment, as HMRC may otherwise regard the client as the carer’s employer.