Self-Employment as a Helper
Working for yourself can be incredibly rewarding. You get to choose the families you work with, set your schedule, and shape your own path. But alongside the freedom comes a little extra responsibility, especially when it comes to paperwork, records, and keeping things organised.
This guide walks through the essentials so you can feel confident and prepared in your work.
Proving Who You Are
Before you start working with families, you’ll often be asked for proof of identity and background information. It’s not just a formality, it helps build trust and shows you take your role seriously.
Typical documents include:
- Passport or driving licence for photo ID
- Proof of address such as a recent utility bill or bank statement
- Right-to-work documentation if applicable
- National Insurance number for tax and employment purposes
If you’re working in care or with children, families may also ask for a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check or the equivalent in your area. It’s worth keeping your certificate handy or registered for online update so it can be easily verified.
Qualifications and References
You don’t always need formal qualifications to be a brilliant helper, but evidence of training and references helps families feel reassured.
You might include:
- Certificates for care, first aid, or food hygiene
- Childcare or early years qualifications for nanny work
- References from previous families or employers
- Any relevant courses you’ve completed, even short ones
Keep digital copies safely stored and easy to share. A simple folder on your phone or laptop labelled My Work Documents can make a big difference when you’re asked to provide them quickly.
Keeping Good Records
As a self-employed person, it’s important to keep notes and records. They help you stay organised, protect you if there’s ever a misunderstanding, and make tax time easier.
Depending on your role, you might record:
- Dates and times you worked
- Tasks completed or support provided
- Expenses such as travel or supplies
- Invoices you’ve sent and payments received
For carers, it can also help to keep light daily notes about routines, meals, wellbeing, or changes you notice. These don’t need to be formal, just honest, factual, and respectful of privacy.
Tip: keeping records regularly (even ten minutes at the end of each day) is far easier than trying to catch up later.
Invoicing and Getting Paid
If you’re self-employed, you’ll usually raise an invoice for your work. Families may pay weekly or monthly depending on your arrangement. Your invoice doesn’t need to be fancy, but it should include key details:
What to include on an invoice:
- Your name and contact details
- The client’s name and address
- The dates or period you worked
- A short description of your work (e.g. “live-in support – July 1–7”)
- The amount due and payment method
- Your payment terms (for example, “due within 7 days”)
Many helpers use simple templates in Word, Google Docs, or free accounting apps that can generate invoices automatically. Keeping them numbered in order (Invoice 001, 002, 003…) helps later on.
Managing Tax and Accounting
Being self-employed means you’re responsible for reporting your own income and paying any tax or National Insurance. It can sound daunting, but once you know the basics it’s very manageable.
Step 1: Register as Self-Employed
You’ll need to register with HMRC (or your local tax authority) so you can complete a self-assessment return each year. It’s best to do this as soon as you start regular work.
Step 2: Keep Simple Records
A small notebook or spreadsheet can track your income and expenses. Note down every payment you receive and any costs you pay out for your work, such as cleaning supplies, travel, or training.
Step 3: Put Money Aside
It’s sensible to set aside a portion of each payment (around 20–25%) to cover your tax bill later. Some people keep a separate savings account just for this.
Step 4: Get Help if You Need It
If numbers aren’t your thing, consider a local accountant, many specialise in self-employed workers and can help you claim allowable expenses properly. Their fee is often tax-deductible too.
Insurance and Protection
Depending on your work, you might consider basic insurance. It’s not always required but can give peace of mind.
Common types include:
- Public liability insurance – protects you if something goes wrong while working in someone’s home
- Professional indemnity – useful for those giving advice or care plans
- Income protection – covers you if you can’t work due to illness
Always check the details and make sure the cover suits your situation.
Staying Professional
Families appreciate helpers who are organised, reliable, and professional. Small habits make a big impression:
- Confirm appointments and changes in advance
- Keep your phone charged and respond to messages promptly
- Dress neatly and respect household preferences
- Keep confidentiality at all times
Professionalism builds trust, and trust brings more work.
Keeping It Human
Running the “business side” of things might not be the reason you chose this work, but it’s part of what helps you do it well. Being organised doesn’t make you less caring; it gives you the stability to focus on the people who matter most.
Every invoice, record, and document is really just another way of showing families that you’re reliable, capable, and proud of what you do.
So take a little time to set up your paperwork now, future-you will be very grateful.