PiP Support for Under 18

GreenDSL
GreenDSL Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener
in PIP, DLA, ADP and AA

I am working with a parent who needs help around the PiP their 17 year old son receives. The money he has been given is being spent inappropriately. Where can she go for advice/support?

Comments

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Online Community Member Posts: 5,004 Championing

    Hi,

    Could you be more specific on inappropriate spending?

    The money is his to use however he decides. There are no rules on what he can or can't spend it on.

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 6,939 Championing

    The parent may disagree with how PIP is being spent by their son, but if he has capacity to make his own financial decisions (regardless of whether parent judges it unwise/silly/inappropriate) then the parent has no control in that situation.

    If he doesn't have capacity then she should look into becoming his appointee or court appointed deputy to make financial decisions in his best interests.

    https://www.gov.uk/become-appointee-for-someone-claiming-benefits

    https://www.gov.uk/courts-tribunals/court-of-protection

  • GreenDSL
    GreenDSL Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener

    The young man is getting professional support for concerns about his online activity which includes online gambling - which is what the PiP is being spent on.

    Thank you for the links re becoming an Appointee.

  • Albus_Scope
    Albus_Scope Posts: 11,100 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Hi there @GreenDSL and a warm welcome to the community. 😊

    As the others have said above, PIP can be spent on anything the user wants, there's no right or wrong. But I do understand the parents concerns if they're using the money for a lot of gambling. Becoming an appointee is of course a possibility if the son has reduced capacity with money.

    I'd suggest they show the son the Gamble Aware website if they feel the gambling is becoming a problem.

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