Applying for direct payments, advice?

[MrsBobDylan]

I have a home visit assesment on Friday, the final part of my direct payments application.

I applied three years ago and was unsuccessful. We have accessed all the training and SBLO hours we can and feel desperate for payments. My son is 7, has asd, goes to an MLD school and doesn't want to leave the house to do anything. Ever.

He spits, swears, kicks, hits and screams if I try to encourage him out. It has become very isolating for my two other sons, aged 3 and 9 as unless me and dh are both home, they can't leave the house.

Is there anything I should say to try and help my case? I really feel we will be turned down again because there is such pressure on resources. I can't stand the idea that my other children are missing out so much and just feel desperate really.

The process is so depressing...multiple conversations with SS detailing the problems, with the potential to walk away with nothing and no hope in sight.

Have copies of any reports you feel may be helpful ready to give to SS, see if you can get your GP to provide a letter detailing your son's difficulties and give that to them too. Any useful stuff from school?

Make some notes so that you don't forget to say a particular point and ask about a carer's assessment for yourself and your husband. Ask about respite and be very clear that you have no support.

Good luck, hope it goes well. We initially got a very low amount but I did manage to get it increased within a few years.

Thank you, that's helpful advice. I was brought up to plaster a cheerful face on and make light of any difficulties but I am determined to stick to why we need this support so much! I will dig out reports tonight and make some notes.

How did it go?