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Any one have experience of Direct Payments and ESA to UC migration

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1 week 18 hours ago #301235 by Fio
I will be migrating to UC from ESA support group and just trying to prepare information. I have a Direct Payment care package set up by my local council to pay my PA/carer this involves a prepaid account that is in my name. Which myself (using PIP) and the local council make payments too, this is then used by me to pay my PA and associated costs such as insurance, tax and Ni and wages. I do not use this account for anything else but it usually has around £6000 in. I spoke to the CAB about this but they had no knowledge of such accounts (I always thought these were quite standard) and I'm worried that the DWP will think this is my savings or income. Has anyone got a similar care package and how did they get on with the DWP with this? Thank you.

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1 week 18 hours ago #301242 by David
Hi This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Firstly if the above is your email address please will you change your Forum user name for internet security reasons.

I am not familiar with Direct Payment care packages myself but I'm sure other members will advise if they are able.

David

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Fio

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1 week 17 hours ago #301255 by Fio
to clarify further this is the way local authorities organise care packages for people with disability that need a carer. I use my PIP to contribute to this as part of their financial assessment, the local authority pays the other part. This is to employ a carer or pa, however i manage the account that the money that i and the local authority pay in to this account. It is not a bank account but a pre paid account that the council set up. It is however in my name. It should not affect benefits but it seems no one knows anything about these accounts. I have emailed my social worker to see if she can provide a letter (along with my care plan) that makes this clear but id like to know if anyone is in a similar position.
More information can be found by googling "direct payments local council care package".

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1 week 17 hours ago #301258 by David
Hi Fio

If you cannot access the money in this account to spend on yourself then I don't see how it can be attributed to your savings/capital.

David

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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1 week 17 hours ago #301259 by David
Hi Fio

If you can manage the account to keep the total under £6000 it will prevent a lengthy investigation by the DWP ( referral to Decision Maker ) and the possible suspension of your UC.

David

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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1 week 15 hours ago #301274 by Fio
Thank you David, i also spoke with a charity that specialises in legal issue, I can't go into detail without revealing too much personal information, but essentially there is a process (i have these regulations in writing) . Possibly Benefits and Work might want to add this to the guide. I'm happy to give you this in a personal message but not online. Also Direct payments are also called Personal Budgets.

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