Why am I called an individual employer?

If you use a care agency, they become the legal employer; but if you have been given a direct payment to purchase the services of a personal care assistant to support your independent living requirements, then you (or someone managing the direct payments on your behalf) becomes the 'boss'. 

As an individual employer, you will be taking on the responsibilities of someone who is employing someone to help them. Some of the things you will be responsible for include managing your PA's wages, their tax, and NI contributions; as well as their training.