Hello- not sure if this is the right place for this post so feel free to move it if I'd put it in the wrong place!

I work with people who are affected by severe mental illness. The changover to these clients from weekly to fortnightly payments could cause some real problems. Some have just learnt to manage weekly budgeting, others could be at risk of simply not being able to manage having 2weeks worth of money deposited into their accounts, those who are vulnerable to drugs and alcohol, manic spending episodes etc.

I notice in an article in Adviser 132 (March/April) there was a suggestion that weekly payments could continue to be possible for 'vulnerable' claimants and although this would not be cited in the legislation specifically it could be in DWP guidance.

I guess my questions are:

- Has anyone had any success in keeping a client's payments weekly rather than changing to fortnightly?
- Does anyone know where I could find the DWP guidance in relation to this and if it does say anything about vulnerable claimants?
-Is anyone else concerned about this?

Thanks very much in advance

I have got the same problem but never checked with DWP I am attending a benefits liaising leeting in Nobember so I can ask them directly. Hope ot to forget to post their answer.

Regards

I'm glad it's not just us

I have found an 'explantory memorandum' to the changes which suggests there should be discretion but I can't find any guidance sent to DWP staff that also says that.

If you could post their answer that would be great. Thanks.

Have emailed Shaun a copy of the guidance.

Thu 15-Oct-09 11:02 AM by shawn

thanks to jim ... here you go

http://www.rightsnet.org.uk/pdfs/weekly_payments_uploaded_Oct_2009.doc

ps - see also the rightsnet news story Benefit payday and periodicity changes: New DWP guidance (14 April 2009) for more info/links

Thank you this was very very helpful. Just the last link doesnt work dont know why but first one is good anyway.

Yes thank you- that's really helpful.

So is that supposed to have gone out to all DWP/JC+ staff? I have been contacted by a mental health support worker who has tried to ask the staff to use their discretion and their line is that there is no discretion allowed in relation to this change...................

I spoke with DWP about one of my cases they asked me to fax supporting letter and then will take it from there. Does seem positive