What to spend DLA on

[sparkt]

My son has been awarded DLA. What is is to pay for exactly?
Am I unreasonable to use it as a wage to cover bills etc as I'm restricted for work because I need to be home for my son who is 13 and needs lots of support. I could still manage to do my lunch time job but won't be able to work when he's off school as he needs supervision.

@alfafabean

most leisure facilties will have some concessionary ticketing

Ive had free entrance to local theatres, Kew Gardens, Think Tankmin Birmingham, English Heritage properties, local sports centres. I think Merlin also have a scheme

Pinkyavacado if DS is in receipt of PIP and has a limited capacity for work he can apply for UC prior to 18 even if he is still in full time education.

NoProblem123 an 18yo in full time education who is in receipt of PIP and has a limited capacity for work can apply for UC. However, you can no longer claim child benefit, CTC/UC for them, so have to weigh up what is best for you.

DD's goes in to her own savings account because we don't often need it at the moment, other than when we are travelling and costs are higher. My thinking is, there will come a time, pretty soon, when the government/NHS decides she doesn't deserve so much help and she will definitely need it then!

Ive had free entrance to local theatres, Kew Gardens, Think Tankmin Birmingham, English Heritage properties, local sports centres. I think Merlin also have a scheme

Theatres, concerts, pretty much every museum we have ever been to all have a free carer ticket.

Also, for £15 per year, a CEA card allows free carer ticket too. That one has been brilliant for us.

@10brokengreenbottles @Pinkyavocado
Thanks very much x

OP - not related but if you receive UC/CTC look into the help to save scheme. It was mentioned on the £500 TC thread and offers really good returns.

Another thing not often mentioned is the council tax exemption for carers.

If you are caring for someone who receives PIP/DLA/AA and they live with you but aren't your spouse or child whose under 18 you are disregarded for council tax purposes. Which depending on who else lives in your property may mean you get a discount - 25% if that leaves only 1 other adult who isn't exempt from council tax or 50% if that means there's no one who is not exempt.

You do not need to be receiving carer's allowance.

See here.

Each month I just see what my son needs or what we could do with and it goes towards that. He has outgrown all his shorts so next payment will pay for a few pairs. He loves the sea and has outgrown his wetsuit so I’m also planning to use it to buy a new one. The last payment I bought him a new weighted blanket. Any leftover just goes towards food/bills all of which serve his needs. The most important thing dla buys him is time with me. It allows me to be at home with him, as I know him best and can manage his condition best. I felt awfully guilty when I first got it and tbf I still do, for getting money for doing something I’d be doing anyway. But then I remember it is for him and he benefits from it