Direct Payments would I be eligible?

happymumto2

I just want to know if anyone knows if I would I fit the criteria as I don't really understand it, and don't want to apply if I would be wasting peoples time. I have a DS age 5 who has ADHD, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, and co-morbid pervasive developmental disorder (quite a mouthful I know!!).
I work full time and currently pay for childcare (I also have a DD 11), my job involves doing 4-5 on calls per month, 1 weekend per month and occasional bank holidays. Up until now when I am on call, working weekends etc I have been staying at my great aunt's house (she's more like a mum to me), however she has recently got worsening cardiac failure and is unable to look after him anymore. I have a fantastic childminder but she doesn't work weekends, do nights (to cover my on calls), or work bank holidays. She takes 1 week off at Christmas and 2 weeks in August and this caused a major problem for a couple of my colleagues last year who said "I should go back to work on the ward if I couldn't cope!"
I am really stressed as I don't want to give up my job, would I be able to request direct payments to cover employing someone to care for him when my childminder isn't available?
He gets DLA high rate care, low mobility, my personal circumstances are very complicated and we just about break even every month, so there is no way I could fund it myself, do you think they might help me? They have in the past offered me respite care which I refused as it would devastate him and also myself. And I don't want to have to use it just to enable me to work, would rather pay someone to sit in my home with him as he gets distressed if his routine isn't adhered to.
Many thanks in advance.

happymumto2

Does anyone know anything about this please? Thanks for looking

NASA_2

What do you mean bt 'Direct Payments'?

dmg24

I doubt Direct Payments would cover childcare, as this would not be in addition to what any other child would need. I could be wrong, but you would need to contact Social Services to confirm.

happymumto2

I am under the impression that rather than social services providing you with help e.g respite care, you can request direct payments to "buy the care you need", yourself.
Was just wondering if my circumstances would fit the criteria for the "direct payments".

happymumto2

dmg24 wrote: »

I doubt Direct Payments would cover childcare, as this would not be in addition to what any other child would need. I could be wrong, but you would need to contact Social Services to confirm.

Thanks DMG, the info on the website is so confusing, it does say they will help the parent to remain in work or go back to work by way of childcare provision, but I think the fact I would need that care during the 4-5 nights and the one weekend per month is the problem. I have asked the hospital creche if they would take him for the 3 weeks a year that my childminder doesn't work, but because he would need 1-1 care they said they couldn't accept him. Am a bit stuck now!!

dmg24

If he needs 1-1 care, this could bring him under the criteria, as it is more than that of other children. I don't know what the criteria is, more of examples that have been successful or not. Definitely give SS a call, you are not wasting their time.

tiannaleigh

Im sorry but I dont know if you will be able to claim this,but I really hope you can,I disagre with the opinion that you are in the same boat as other working parents ,my daughter is also autistic and I can never get anybody to look after her for me,even her own grandparents who look after all their other grandchildren,have them weekends and even take them on holidays ,wont even have my daughter for an hour ,so I understand how it is alot harder to find suitable care for your son,I dont think you have anything to lose trying anyway
hope everything works out ok for you,all the best
tiannaleigh

happymumto2

dmg24 wrote: »

If he needs 1-1 care, this could bring him under the criteria, as it is more than that of other children. I don't know what the criteria is, more of examples that have been successful or not. Definitely give SS a call, you are not wasting their time.

He has to have a 1-1 (he does in school), not because of a physical disability, but because he is a danger to himself and others (he can be very violent and inappropriate to his peers and teachers). So I can understand why the hospital creche wouldn't take him.
I am definitely going to speak to social services, am currently off sick from work with stress, mainly because I don't have anyone to cover my on calls and weekends. My 11 year old can go to my ex-husbands whenever I am working, my son has no contact or support from the male involved in his creation (can't refer to him as father!!).

happymumto2

tiannaleigh wrote: »

Im sorry but I dont know if you will be able to claim this,but I really hope you can,I disagre with the opinion that you are in the same boat as other working parents ,my daughter is also autistic and I can never get anybody to look after her for me,even her own grandparents who look after all their other grandchildren,have them weekends and even take them on holidays ,wont even have my daughter for an hour ,so I understand how it is alot harder to find suitable care for your son,I dont think you have anything to lose trying anyway
hope everything works out ok for you,all the best
tiannaleigh

Thanks for that, my own parents passed away when I was young (my dad would have loved him), he has 2 grandparents on the other side who do not acknowledge him in any way, neither does the other person that was part of his creation "as nobody else in their family has these problems, so he isn't one of them!". He tells people he has 2 children (from his marriage), my DS was his third, the should be grandparents tell people they have 2 grandchildren my DS is their 3rd. They won the lottery (a very large sum), their acknowledged grandchildren get holidays abroad, the best toys money can buy, and stay there every weekend. My DS gets nothing, not even child support.
I really don't want to go down the route of the respite I was offered just to go to work as I know it would devastate him and also myself. Yes its hard and yes I would love to have some "me" time, and sometimes when my toilet has been blocked by him for the third time that day because of his obsessions I want to strangle him!! But boy has he taught me so much about patience!! Am sure you feel the same, can't live with him would never live without him lol

firedaisey

Have you checked your local council’s web site for details? If there is nothing on your own Council’s web site, then search on “disabled child” and Direct Payments, and you will bring up links to Council web sites all over the country which will give you an idea of what to expect. It is certainly possible to receive Direct Payments to assist with meeting the needs of a disabled child. You say there are difficulties at school. Does he have what is called a statement of special educational need? Perhaps the school could assist in providing evidence of your child’s needs. Your council’s web site will also have details of local disability organisations which should be able to help, although you may get referred on from one to another until you find the right one. You could also contact your representative on the local Council to ask for their assistance. Good luck .


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