Tech glitch leaves some disabled people unable to pay for care

Tech glitch leaves some disabled people unable to pay for care

Written by Munaza Rafiq, Disability news producer

Anne Pridmore, the head of a network for disabled individuals called Being the Boss, employs five personal assistants for round-the-clock care at her Leicester home. She expressed concern about the potential repercussions of being unable to access funds, as she would not be able to afford the necessary care. The care costs £11,000 per month and is funded by Leicester County Council through a pre-paid card.

Many disabled individuals utilize pre-paid cards issued by local authorities to hire care workers or personal assistants, effectively becoming employers themselves. A spokesperson from the Local Government Association (LGA) mentioned that councils are endeavoring to offer alternative payment options and ensure the continuity of care for those with the greatest needs. This situation has left some individuals and essential workers in a precarious position.

Nicola, a full-time carer in Bradford, noted difficulties accessing her payment account on July 14th. She cares for her daughter, who requires round-the-clock support due to multiple disabilities. Nicola expressed concerns about her daughter’s care plan if her carers seek alternative employment due to delayed payments. The impact of these technical issues on essential workers and vulnerable individuals is profound and unsettling.

Sophie Withers, a personal assistant from Morecambe, expressed anxiety about not receiving her payment last week due to clients’ inability to make payments. This has left her worried about affording essential items like food and bills. While an emergency payment from the local authority helped previously, recurring delays pose a significant challenge. The technical issues affecting the payment system have impacted numerous councils and NHS bodies, prompting urgent efforts to restore functionality

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More