DLA...After age 16...Ability to look after own affairs

[MrsForgetful]

Have been sent the forms refference DS1's ability to look after own affairs now he is 16.

simple form...2 boxes...tick one... but complex decision.

whilst ds is likely to be capable of trotting down town...or using a debit card online...the big question is...does it relevant that my main concerns are

regarding money:

1)that he'll lose card
2)be seen putting in pin number
3)be 'clumsy' how he puts money into wallet(poor coordination)
4)will tell others about his ability to get money...and loan it to anyone who asks?

and

that he is likely to spend it all on playstation games, online gaming etc.

AND
regarding claiming future benefits/form filling (college applications etc)

DS 'could' probably fill in forms...online...cannot do so with pen and paper- due to coordination. however, i imagine him being very confused and disorganised- losing important documents... unable to fill in a form sat infront of someone at a bank etc...feeling very intimidated by being watched- aware how poor his writing is...etc
therefore see me doing that for him.

as far as college etc...i plan to let him apply- and include a 'supporting letter' from me to make sure he is recognised for the person he is rather than what may apper on his form.

The problem is that if you tick the 'he can look after his own affairs' then the DWP etc will not discuss any future problems regarding claims with you.

My DS is 21 and I am still his DWP appointee. He too can withdraw money etc but he could not fill in a DLA renewal or deal with any problems that may arise with his benefits claim - I stil need to do that.

The LA also recognises me has his 3rd Party Rep so I deal with Council tax, Housing benefit etc on his behalf.

Same with NHS Prescription Exemeption Charges - I fill in the form as his rep and then I spent hours on the phone chasing them up.

All these claims are complex and time-consuming and if left to him would not get done.

Best wishes

iT CAN BE AHRD TO GET THEM TO ACCEPT HE CAN'T THOUGH, HAVE A FRIEND WHOSE 16 YEAR OLD as SON SPENDS ALL HIS dla ON ALCOHOLAND GAMBLIONG WITHIN MINUTES, BUT SADLY THAT DOESN'T COUNT AS CANNOT LOOK AFTER HIS OWN AFFAIRS TO THEM [HMM]

i'DTICK THE BOF TBH, AND SPELL IT OUT EXactly what your concerns are if asked. TBH wilingness toloand money,inability to look after docs, fill in formscan be quite problematic.

(sorry about caps, pile fo crap next to me keepsfalling on keyboard PMSL)

thanks...

i went to town with all 3 ds's this afternoon- the 1st time since the summer holidays....!!!....for them to do their christmas shopping....and just observing DS1 made my mind up about this DLA form...

he still needs my help.
end of.
full stop.

Good luck with it MrsF. I think if you say you need to manage their affairs that they will come visit you.

We did dd's post-16 DLA in the summer (medical) and I really think they should be assessed as an 'adult' at 18 not 16.

you can be made an appointee by DWP that is what is going to happen with us next year when our son turns 16 social work are arranging it, he would just spend his money on games.

update....

much to my suprise we got the award letter today...DLA till 2012... so this other letter about him being able to manage his affairs i'm assuming is for any correspondance from now on???

If thats the case...i think before i fill in the form i will write them a letter (rather than just tick a box) explaining my concerns.

i thought they were going to make the current award descision after i filled in that form...obviously not!

that is a huge relief...i feel less pressured now about it...