Respite activities

[kappadelta]

Hello all,

My son has aspergers and because of this struggles to access the respite activities which are available to all children in our town with additional needs.

The reasons for this being that the activities are not tailored to suit his specific needs and because of this I asked for an assessment of his needs and received one from a social worker.

Now to complete the assessment the social worker has asked if my son received DLA and a breakdown of what it is spent on.

Is this the correct procedure?
I'm asking this as access to the respite activities are not means tested and no participant has to provide a financial breakdown as requested by the social worker.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[kappadelta]

Anyone?

[MedusaIsHavingaBadHairday]

I have never been asked to give a breakdown on how we spend my son's DLA! And yes he has been assessed by social services. DLA is to be spend how you see fit.. whether it's stuff he needs, activities he enjoys, or goes into the household budget. I'd be tempted to say 'gin and cigarettes'.

In adult support, I do believe DLA is taken into consideration (for personal assistance, living support etc) but assuming your son is younger.. no she has no right to ask and no reason to be told.

You can tell her that that he receives DLA and that it is used as seen fit!
(or tell her to mind her own bloody business!)

[fairgame]

I used to get direct payments for DS and was never asked about what i spend my DLA on. I always thought respite was completely separate and needs led rather than means tested!

[victoryinthekitchen]

my understanding also is that respite support is needs led and is separate to a financial benefit, not sure why social worker would want details of what dla is spent on.

[kappadelta]

Thanks for your advice I will be putting together a short email tomorrow using what has been advised on here.

[kappadelta]

An update on today. I received advice from a support service for parents of children with additional needs. They told me that it is wrong and due to the SEND reforms my son is entitled to non means tested support.

[fairgame]

That's great news. I hope you get some respite sorted soon.

[Tambaboy]

Great news!