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Direct Payment figures dont make sense, cant get any answers from anywhere
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michael079
Posts: 91 Forumite

Hello there, i took over proividing my mothers care package at the beginning of April after Social Care Direct informed my mother she could employ a family member because of Covid19. I was told by the council and social services to pay myself out of the direct payment. At the same time, the social worker informed me an extra 3 hours per week was added to the direct payment and said she would send out the updated support plan, which reflected this. However the figures being paid by the direct payment into the online account the council set up didnt reflect this, so for clarity i emailed the social worker who called me immediately to say everything looks fine her end, i didnt understand the maths so she said she would email me, which she did explaining the figures. However i soon saw she had calculated it different from what it had always been, only accounting for 28 days per month instead of a 30 or 31 day month and it works out about £250 less a month.. She stated the correct weekly amounts but multplied it by four not accounting for the fact there are more than 4 weeks in a month. the direct payment was always worked out on an hourly rate. I checked the support plan again to confirm it. I emailed straight back (about a month ago) and pointed this out but got no response. I emailed her again 2 weeks ago saying i am still unclear about this and cant make any payments until its clear, but still no response. I called Social Care Direct Scotland last week and they said they could only pass a message on to the social worker to contact me, but still nothing. Perhaps she is very busy but i just dont understand or know what to do now. Are we supposed to accept it how it is? My mother has had a rapid decline with dementia during lockdown and im caring for her 24/7, one less thing to be stressed about would be great, all i want is clarity. Any advice would be much appreciated.
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Does she perhaps get 13 monthly payments per year which gives a four week month?0
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I manage direct payments for my daughter through a bank account made by my local council. Funds for her are added monthly. I then pay her PA every 4 weeks as advised by the payroll company that manages the wages slips and tax etc. I don't understand when you say " you can't make payments" what can't you make payments for?
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Gravedigger said:Does she perhaps get 13 monthly payments per year which gives a four week month?0
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Your mum will have a personal budget and the payments will be divided up into equal payments and the money will be deposited at regular intervals, so it should work out correct in the end. What payments can't you make? Do you mean payments to you?
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Does she have to pay a contribution towards the care she receives? Most local councils won't cover the whole cost of care. If she has to make a contribution then this maybe why you're seeing a shortfall.
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poppy12345 said:I manage direct payments for my daughter through a bank account made by my local council. Funds for her are added monthly. I then pay her PA every 4 weeks as advised by the payroll company that manages the wages slips and tax etc. I don't understand when you say " you can't make payments" what can't you make payments for?
I'd prefer to be cleasr about exactly what that is before doing so. It was all very clear when we had previous care company but now it isn't and appears to have changed.0 -
Her local council should make sure there's enough of funds in the account for your wages, whether you receive them 4 weekly or monthly.
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poppy12345 said:Her local council should make sure there's enough of funds in the account for your wages, whether you receive them 4 weekly or monthly.0
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poppy12345 said:Does she have to pay a contribution towards the care she receives? Most local councils won't cover the whole cost of care. If she has to make a contribution then this maybe why you're seeing a shortfall.0
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It should all work itself out correctly though. I'm assuming she still has to pay a contribution? I still don't understand why you haven't paid yourself. Surely there's funds in the account for you?
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