Dependant paid for help when needed (8)
I believe the answer is:
retainer
'dependant' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?
I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for retainer that I've seen before include "Household servant (often faithful and old!)" , "Family servant of long standing - fee charged in advance" , "Eritrean as kind of servant" , "given payment in advance" , "Advance fee to reserve someone's services" .)