Direct Payments for my disabled son

[picklepants]

Hi All

My son has Autism & i have just had a Social Worker & an Occupational Therapist for a visit as i have enquired about getting some direct payments for him to access clubs etc the days he's not at college.

The social worker is going to recommend that he be awarded direct payments but i just wondered how i stood with us being in an IVA ?.

My son is 16 & at college, they said that i have to open a separate bank account with a cheque book & that i can employ my mum & my other son to be his carers & they get paid wages from this account via the direct payments.

Does anyone know how i stand & do i have to inform the council that i'm in a IVA ?.

[ClareSilver]

The monies your son has been awarded are for him and for his care, therefore any income that comes in will be offset by the expenditure for his care and any clubs he attends as a result of his condition.

You will need to make your IP aware as he's a dependant, however it shouldn't change your IVA payments at all. There's no need to let the council know about your IVA - it's none of their business!

[clairemichelle]

Hi picklepants.
My understanding is that direct pyts can be made to the disabled person if they are aged 16 or more as well as the carers for the disabled child. Given that you are in an iva you may struggle to open another account in your name and get a cheque book. I would say that seeing where you stand with doing this should be your starting point. Can you get the account and chq book in wother youras or your sons name. Secondly I would check on the councils website or with your worker what direct pyt agreement you will have to sign. They may be able to provide u a template for this. Then you should check if it excludes people with ivas on doing this. I have checked my local council and the forms are on the website and they do not exclude people with ivas. They just set out what can and cant be done with the forms.

Next have a chat with your ip or another member of the team and ask if they are happy dor this to go ahead. If you show them the sample agreement and offer to send a copy once ita signed (esp if u open in your name) it will be clear it is not your money.

As a final point just to let you know if you recruit then as the employer you are responsible for ensure tax and ni payments are made. There should be systems to help you do this correctly. Ask your social qorker and also make sure you see if you need permission to employ a relative. In adults services you do with some councils but not sure with children's services. Its best to keep a signing in and out book or record of time worked by staff as well so you can always prove houra worked of ever queried. Dps are great and its just about know what you have to do to make them run smoothly. Dont be afraid to ask the council for help. They actively want people to have them.

Hope this helps.
Cm x