So DS2 (ASD and LDs) turned 18 in June. He had had direct payments from the age of 7, which funded a carer now and again and paid for SN holiday clubs etc.. 3 hours a week worth payment.
Stopped dead on his birthday and he was reassessed..for the same amount plus some extra for respite.. social worker feels he'd benefit from some weekends at our local respite place, to try being away from us.
It took til september for the money to be awarded and then they sent the financial assessor round. Upshot... as an adult he has to contribute to his care (fine..I get that) and they have assessed that the money he gets.. he has to contribute back... they don't take 'rent' into consideration as he lives with us.
So..they will send XX to his budget account each month..and I have to send it all..every penny.. back!!!! (therefore any care/respite etc has to be paid with his DLA..fair enough but it won't cover respite which is about £100 a night)
Pointless exercise or what????
I have politely requested that I return all his budget so far given and forget it, as I can do without filling in returns and sending back money monthly when he gets no benefit from it. His DLA won't stretch to the respite and activities we have carefully built up for him over the years. Welcome to adulthood eh?
The irony is.. if we kicked him out and he was housed in supported living he would get a LOT more personal budget and they would include the rent..sigh... seems it doesn't help him to look after him at home and save them a lot of money. Not to mention the fact that when PIP comes in he will likely lose even what he is getting now, even though he is a disabled adult for life.
Rant over 