Care Home Demanding Mobility Allowance

[Unhappyharry]

My son's care home is asking for the Mobility Component of his allowance, and that of other service users who are in receipt of this component, to be handed over to fund the provision of their vehicle on the basis that they access the use of the vehicle a certain number of times per week (often shared journeys). Whilst those not in reciept of the component don't appear to be charged. Is this common practice in other care homes?

[Shue Community friend]

Hi unhappyharry, Im suprised it's not veryunhappyharry++. The only real advice I can offer is call the mencap helpline they are available Mon/Fri 0808 808 1111, they will be able to either answer your query or will know who can. It sounds very unfair if those without the mobility component of PIP are being funded by those with! I don't believe any of us know where we are with care packages, contributions and cuts. Please post back when you get the answer it will be useful.to any in the same position now or in the future. Best wishes.

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[partygirlz1972]

Have never heard of a care home doing this,is your son there tempary or full time

[Unhappyharry in reply to partygirlz1972]

Full time.... been there 13 years!

[partygirlz1972 in reply to Unhappyharry]

Normally if an elderly person goes in to a care home they loose all benefits,as this is paid to home,not sure if it is the same with children.

[NorthernDad in reply to partygirlz1972]

I have seen this in a few Care Providers and there is logic in this. As the Mobility component states that the vehicle can only be used for the person it is given to being present or to meet their needs, there are safeguards in place or should be. I think it is not unreasonable for other cared for people to be allowed to travel with your son and makes sense if there are only two support worker on shift and both have to go, one to drive the vehicle and one to assist. My brother who is a support worker takes two people to swimming sessions with his co-worker and trips to the zoo etc, if they did not take the other person they could not do these trips and both clients would be deprived.