should my son have sole responsability with his own DLA money

[dollface2904]

hello
i am a mother to a 16 year old son with learning difficulties, he is in receipt of DLA, up until is 16th birthday all payments were made to me his carer, now he has turned 16 the money is being paid directly to him, my son although 16 has the maturity and learning of a 8-10 year old, he knows that he receives money to help with his difficulties, but my problem is that i dont think that he is responible enough to be in charge of so much money, i have discussed this in length with my partner and we are stuck as to wether to just allow my son to keep the money and spend it any way he sees fit, (it is his money) or to take some control of how the money is to be spent. my son is a loner, he cant go out anywhere by himself he has a adult with him at all times, before he turned 16 his money was used to buy days out and fun things that my son likes for in his room at home (ie games and stuff for wii and xbox)

i would love any kind of feedback that other parents may have regarding this problem.
also if any other parents had the same problem and how they resolved it

thanks

my sister has downs and middle rate dla - AFAIK when she lived at home it was paid directly into her bank account but my parents then worked with her to create a budget for her each week which she then stuck to. she wouldn't really understand whether she had £40 or £400 in the account but it gave her a sense of control and "being adult."

and you have highlighted to me that i will have that issue in 6 years time for my hearing impaired ds...god hope he learns better money management between now and then

I would discuss with him about contributing towards he's keep, learning to budget he's money, they will send someone round to interview him so ask him what he wants to do so sit and discuss with him first.If he is not able to manage he's money then they will pay it to you.

Well I'm a bit different as I'm visually impaired, but it went to me with no questions asked when I hit 16. My mum set up a bank account for me, put in some money she'd been holding for me, and now it's added up to a VERY nice total! I do OK, I've never been in the red (with the amount in there it'd be worrying if I did!) I've also put wages from 2 summer jobs, and wages I get for being a carer for my disabled uncle in there.

How come they interview sometimes? No one spoke to me, my mum just did a form and it was sorted!

thank you all for your advice, i think we are gonna put our trust in my son and see how he manages.

I don't know why, my aunty recently had this with her son, maybe it is something they are now doing or maybe they randomly select people .

hi, im new to mumsnet and just seen your message, i had same dilema, contacted DLA they made me appointee, they came and visited at home discussed needs and away we went, called into my building society (nationwide) who suggested that we open up a cash builder account in joint names that way you can control the money but the young person can still feel independant, they cannot do apply for anything untoward as joint signaturees. hope this helps, it has proved invaluable to us over the past year. good luck