Getting Started as a Self-Employed Carer: Your Complete Guide

Going self-employed as a carer is one of the best decisions you can make but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. What do you need to register? How do you find clients? What about insurance, tax, contracts?

This guide walks you through everything you need to get started as a self-employed carer in the UK, step by step. Whether you’re considering the move or have already decided and just need to work out the practicalities, you’re in the right place.

And if you want something to tick off as you go, download our free Getting Started Checklist at the bottom of this page.

What Does It Mean to Be a Self-Employed Carer?

Getting started as a self-employed carer means setting up your own care business rather than working for an agency or care company. You work directly with clients — usually individuals or families arranging their own care — and you’re responsible for finding your own work, managing your own finances and keeping your own records.

It’s a growing way of working in social care. Many carers prefer it because it gives them more control over their hours, their rates and the way they work. Many clients prefer it too — it means consistency, a carer who genuinely knows them, and often better value than going through an agency.

It does come with more responsibility, but with the right setup, it’s very manageable.

1. Finding Clients and Getting Your Name Out There

The biggest question for most people getting started as a self-employed carer is: how do I find clients?

The honest answer is that most self-employed carers build their client base through word of mouth and local connections, not expensive advertising. Start simple.

Local advertising is still one of the most effective methods. Create a flyer and put it up in GP surgeries, libraries, pharmacies and local cafés. You don’t need to be a designer Canva is free and has templates you can adapt in minutes.

Social media is worth using too. Local Facebook groups are particularly effective for reaching people who are actively looking for care in your area. LinkedIn and Instagram can help you build a more visible professional profile over time.

Hospital discharge teams and community nursing teams are a contact that many carers overlook. These teams regularly need to refer clients to reliable carers, so making yourself known to them can generate a steady stream of enquiries.

Once you have clients and you’re doing a good job, ask for testimonials. A few honest reviews from people you’ve supported will do more for your reputation than any amount of paid advertising.

2. Registering as a Self-Employed Carer with HMRC

As soon as you start earning money from caring, you need to register as self-employed with HMRC. You do this by signing up for Self Assessment at gov.uk/register-for-self-assessment. The process is straightforward and you’ll receive a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number once registered.

You need to register by 5 October in your second tax year of trading, but it’s better to do it straight away. Getting it done early means you won’t be scrambling to catch up later, and your UTR number is something you’ll need for tax returns and client invoices.

3. Getting the Right Insurance

Public liability insurance is essential for self-employed carers. It protects you if something goes wrong while you’re working — an accident, damage to a client’s property, or a claim made against you. Without it, you’re personally liable, which is a significant risk.

It doesn’t have to be expensive. Mark Bates Ltd offer specialist insurance for self-employed carers from around £6.17 per month. Always check what your policy requires in terms of training, as some providers have specific conditions attached.

4. Your DBS Check

If you’re providing personal care, you need an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. If you already have one, check that it’s current and registered on the Update Service. Being on the Update Service means clients can verify your status online without you needing a fresh check every time you take on new work — it saves time and money for everyone.

You can check your Update Service status at secure.crbonline.gov.uk/crsc/subscriber. You’ll need your DBS certificate number to do this.

If you need a new enhanced DBS check, you’ll need to apply through an organisation rather than as an individual. NACAS can process this for self-employed carers.

5. Managing Your Finances as a Self-Employed Carer

Getting your finances set up properly from the start will save you a lot of stress later.

Open a separate bank account for your business. It’s not a legal requirement but it makes a significant difference — you can see exactly what’s coming in and going out, and it makes your tax return much simpler.

Set aside around 20% of your income each month for tax and National Insurance. Do this regularly rather than trying to find a lump sum when your bill arrives.

Keep records of your business expenses. A lot of what you spend running your care business is tax-deductible, including training, your DBS check, mileage, insurance, work clothing, professional memberships and any software you use.

PocketCarer includes income and expenditure tracking, mileage recording, invoicing and receipt storage — all in one place. pocketcarer.com

6. Contracts, Paperwork and Staying Compliant

Good paperwork protects you and your clients. Before starting with anyone new, make sure you have a written service agreement in place covering the scope of care, your working hours, your rates and your payment terms. Having it in writing avoids misunderstandings and gives both parties something clear to refer back to.

You also need to keep proper care records — daily notes, medication records, care plans, risk assessments. This is good practice, and it’s also your evidence if anything is ever questioned.

As a self-employed carer who handles client information, you have responsibilities under GDPR. This means keeping personal data secure, not sharing it without consent and only keeping it for as long as necessary.

PocketCarer provides contract templates, care plan tools, daily logging and GDPR-compliant secure storage. pocketcarer.com

7. Support Networks and Resources

You don’t have to work it out on your own. There are organisations specifically set up to support self-employed carers.

NACAS and ILG-PA both offer advice, support and member discounts for self-employed carers and personal assistants.

Your local council’s business support team can offer guidance, networking opportunities and sometimes funding — check your council’s website to see what’s available in your area.

The Blue Sky Card is a carer ID card that also gives you discounts at a range of retailers and venues.

Community Catalysts support local micro-enterprises in care across many parts of the UK — check their website to see if they cover your area.

8. Training and Professional Development

Keeping your training up to date matters for the quality of your care, for your insurance and for building confidence with new clients. Most insurance policies require certain mandatory training, so check what yours specifies.

Florence Academy offers affordable e-learning for carers. The Health and Safety Group provides in-person mandatory training if you prefer face-to-face.

9. Setting Your Rates

Undercharging is one of the most common mistakes people make when getting started as a self-employed carer. Your rate needs to cover tax, National Insurance, insurance, training, DBS checks, mileage, work clothing, memberships and any software you use — not just your time.

To benchmark your rate, search for care businesses in your area on homecare.co.uk. This gives you a realistic picture of the local market.

Be upfront with clients about anything that attracts an additional charge — overnight care, travel beyond a certain distance, bank holidays. Having this agreed in writing before you start prevents difficult conversations later.

10. Planning for Client Cover

What happens if you’re ill or have an emergency and can’t make a shift? It’s worth addressing this before you sign a contract rather than leaving it until there’s a problem.

Options include a trusted family member stepping in, recommending another carer you know, or a backup arrangement with a care agency. Some self-employed carers form small micro teams specifically so they can cover for each other.

The Self-Employed Carers Facebook group is a good place to connect with other carers in your area who might be open to a mutual cover arrangement.