Local Authority help for people on DLA/ PIP

I was interested by Gordon’s recent reference to Local Authorities conducting Occupational Health assessments of disabled people’s needs with reference to domestic adjustments.

I don’ know the first thing about these assessments and the possibility of financial help, despite being disabled since childhood. I cannot recall a GP asking about how I cope for about 25 years. All domestic needs have been met via parental income and savings, my DLA and savings. My condition is progressing and there are several relatively minor domestic adjustments that would help stave off an increasing number of falls. But money is increasingly hard to find and workmen at the going rate are impossible to finance. What will Local Authorities offer?

Mari

One of the criteria is what financial help your immediate family provide you with if you live with them, and each local authority abides by different rules and criteria unfortunately.
They are recommended to use a generic code of practice but I am afraid this is seldom adhered too.

i.e My condition is chronic and getting worse.
I had a superb OT report by Social Services recommending many adaptations to my own home - not rented or social.
However as my husband is in employment and earns more than the IR ESA amount, then Social Services/LA do not help financially.
We took the matter to Direct Services and the L/A Director of Services and as I had copies of the relevant legal criteria/documentation from another L/A, however Dorset County Council have their own rules etc, so I was unable to obtain financial help.
A copy was sent to the L/A in East Devon and I met the criteria, so location is a big factor in obtaining financial assistance.

N.B any works carried out on your property as a registered disabled person allows you to not pay VAT on goods or works that pertain to your usage and you can obtain a letter stating this from HRMC

Hi Mari.
The advice Gordon has given is spot on.
Without knowing your circumstances / disability it is difficult to know
how you can access your occupational health therapist.
Mine was arranged through my MS Nurse.
Do you have similar or perhaps local practice nurse at your GP's surgery.
I had some very welcome adaptations carried out at my home (for no charge) by my
local authority even though I am the house owner!

Please do try!
There is help out there!

Steve.

In my area we self refer to occupational health/social services through the local council, it would be worth having a look at the website for yours.

If it is purely Occupational Aids and Adaptations you are talking about to help and support you in the home, you should be able to self refer, call your local Social Services and ask for the OT dept.
Apart from a need, there should be no criteria to meet, there is no financial assessment for equipment.
I recently had surgery, I work full time, but I received OT equipment with no questions asked.
If it is care support, an assessment will be carried out to determine the level of support. Finances need to be discussed but there is a ceiling of 23K before you will pay toward any support.
Call Social Services and ask, no harm and they wont bite you!