Can I use my DP to pay for the cost of taking my PA with me on holiday?

cford

I’ve booked to go on a short 4 night holiday in July and need my PA to come with me to provide assistance. Can I use my DP to pay for the cost of taking her? There is more than enough money in my pot and one of my goals on my support plan is to travel more. There is not a specific action plan for that goal, only to bank hours and use DP flexibly. Not only that but I now have to contribute £87 per week (not really affordable!) So surely some of that money in the pot is mine that I can have some control over? 

janer1967

Hi there 

I'm sorry I'm not really knowledgeable in direct payments 

I will tag in another member who may be able to help 

@chiarieds do you know anything to help here 

Tori_Scope

I'm afraid I'm not sure either @cford. I've marked your query as unanswered so that other members can find it more easily. 

Have you tried ringing your local authority to ask about this?

chiarieds

Hi @cford - & welcome. As far as I'm aware, as Tori suggests, you would need to ring your LA to see what they say. Direct payments can only be used for whatever is in your care plan, so anything extra would have to be at the discretion of your LA.

Jean Eveleigh

yes if it is agreed in your care plan, if not you can write an application to social services for special dispensation to make the payments as a one off

Tori_Scope

Did you manage to get in touch with your local authority or check your care plan @cford?