advice needed

[Mummypam]

hi, my daughter often reaches the limit in her bank account that she is allowed to have by dwp.

As her appointee am I able to use the money for things not related to her, just to keep the money below what’s she allowed.to have in her bank account.

Thank you for any advice.

[Housebuster]

No you cannot use it for you. I dont know your circumstances but...you could look into paying a carer to assist with days out, or a holiday.

[greenapple123_]

You can use it for things that your daughter would benefit from. Things within the home I’m sure she would benefit from. Some parents forget this, ie, towels, bedding, new crockery etc.

[Scrutineer]

If the money in your daughter's account is from her benefit awards it can only be spent in meeting her needs. You will be aware that many ppl with Learning Disabilities struggle to have a decent standard of living on the amount of benefit they receive & rising costs, hence the campaigns by many of us to object to LAs demanding contributions towards care/services. Perhaps your daughter might want to explore activities or care support which may bring her enjoyment and give you respite from the demands of caring. Supported holidays are expensive but can be good for mental & physical wellbeing & would constitute a legitimate use of her benefits. I wish you & your daughter well.

[AMPJAP]

There is a difference between money from DWP ie PIP ESA UC this money is provided for your daughter help with her disabilities and her living costs so if she lives in your house food heating buying things like ipad new clothes anything that she needs or renewing (bed sheets mattress) to keep it below the benefit cap

If she receives money from county council for direct payments for respite or day services or carersthe this money must be kept separate from DWP money as it has to be fully audited .

I never allowed my sons money to be over £5000 if he needs any thing he gets it

He has no capacity to run a bank acc. As an appointee you are her bank of mum

[Charlie2750 Community friend]

Hello Mummypam and welcome to the forum. My son has severe learning disabilities and is now 37.He receives ESA and PIP and UC and because he lives with us there are 3 of us in the house I charge him board and lodging. I often think that i don't charge enough however I have not totaled everything together. I would add up everything and divide by 3 in our home and share the bills. We may be in a different position to you but we now own our house and that we paid a mortgage was sometimes helped by his payments. Any home improvements were helped by him(he needs to be in a warm home etc) The house will probably be shared in a trust by him and his 2 brothers, so any improvements will benefit him in long term We have a motability car which comes out of his PIP.

I don't smoke or take drugs(other than prescribed) and if I totaled all our finances together I possibly would try not to charge for my alcohol but I could argue that it sometimes keeps me sane!! (I dont abuse alcohol)

Simple answer is just be mindful that so long as your daughter has a decent bed lots of food and good times and is dressed nicely then don't worry. 🙂