DLA

[willowrose30]

Anyone foster a child in receipt of DLA?
Do you keep receipts of how it is used etc or do you spend it as you see fit.

Our first experience of this and not sure on the correct "PROTOCOL"
Thanks.

This has just happened to us. I have been putting half in the savings account and using the rest to buy big items. Haven't had a meeting with SW yet but I'm sure they will want to know what it's being spent on.
It's quite hard as we have already spent a lot on sensory equipment before we were told to claim.

If you have receipts you can reimburse yourself for items you got before the spa was awarded

I know with direct payments for my dcs that we were able to buy things and reimburse ourselves once the funds came through as long as kept receipts so I imagine it's same for dla

Spa ??? DLA !

Think it's quite hard with fostering to show how you are spending dla. As you receive allowance for looking after the child you are expected to transport them to appointments out of this money. You also provide all they need out of this money.
I was told by IRO to claim this money as the child is entitled to it. Also I was not to save it. As we have had little one for. 3 years and have only just claimed it we have already bought everything they need.
As we have to save for the child I have decided that I will put 1/2 dla into their account.
To be honest I am struggling to think of things to buy. I haven't kept any receipts for things we have previously bought.

Can use as you like, know of one who saved all, on Adult transition bought own house has now two other house mates , both paying rent and supported by LA's Adult disability team, himself included, is supported accommodation which he owns

Thanks everyone.

We are in the same boat as you cassimin. They told us not to save it. But I am at a loss as to what to spend it on.
I have started him off at a few activities like football and swimming but the fees are nominal.
I think I will just email his social worker and ask her to confirm exactly what she wants done with it and if she would like me to keep any sort of paper trail.
Thanks again.

Because they have been with us so long we have already got activities set up every night, two on a saturday. We can't fit anything else in.
I was told a few weeks ago that I should also claim carers allowance. I think it depends on the level of DLA you are awarded. This was granted. This gives you an allowance that has nothing to do with what you spend on child. It also pays NI contributions. If you are claiming benefits it affects some but it is worth looking into.
I use it to spoil my birth children as they have had to sacrifice a lot by being part of a fostering family.