Direct Payments Surplus

BB78 · 8 July 2008 at 3:42PM

I've built up a surplus in my Direct Payments account because the ILA mucked up my recruiting of a PA so badly that I've ended up using an agency instead; but they don't have enough staff to cover all the hours I have been allowed or help me do all the things I need help with.

It was a long hard slog to get the Direct Payments in the first place (Social Services EXTREMELY slow to help & then ILA took forever!) so I don't want to see the money being taken back and I certainly don't want the funding reduced in the future. I'm probably not claiming back all the things I could be claiming back as I don't really now the rules properly but I'm also looking for hints, tips or tricks to legitamately reduce the surplus??

Any idea's either post or pm me!!
Cheers!! :beer:

Penny-Pincher!! · 8 July 2008 at 3:58PM

Hi

How are your DP's delegated ATM? Personal care, domestic, laundry etc?

When are you due to have your DP review?

Normally, if there is a surplus when they look through your receipts and statements etc they will ask for this back.

I suggest looking for a new agency that can cover all the hrs you need.

PP
xx

BB78 · 8 July 2008 at 4:23PM

I get something like 12 part hours per week, no personal care, its down as supervision when showering, breakfast & preperation of lunch and then an evening call for an evening meal but when it was all discussed with the ILA the job description for the PA drawn up included things like help with laundry, household tasks & getting to & from appointments.

I've not been well for the last few weeks (recovering from surgery!) and its only really dawned on me today that I should look at using another agency or an additional one but when I was looking for an agency before I phoned and left messages with several and emailed others and only 1 replied; hence that is the one I am using!

I don't know when I'm due for a review. And I'm really not that clear on what I can claim back or pay for from the account so I've been on the side of caution & paying for stuff myself.
For example I'll pay for parking or give my friend petrol money out of my own pocket if she takes me to Tesco's or to the Doc's/Hospital because she doesn't want me to actually pay her for her time but if she was one of my PA's I was told I could pay mileage out of the account.

Penny-Pincher!! · 8 July 2008 at 4:52PM

You really need to get a copy of your care plan which should itemise what you have been assessed as needing. If you call DP's they would be more than happy to help you find a suitable care package.

I recieve 10hrs per week. I have 7hrs personal care and 3hrs domestic. I manage all my own care and make sure I receive receipts for everything. My husband is my FT carer and the DP's help so that my OH can have a small break daily.

You can pay friends out of the DP's if thats whats in your care package. If you google direct payments, there is a leaflet explaining in more detail about them.

HTH

PP
xx

Direct Payments Surplus

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