we have just taken in my wife,s 16 yo neice can we claim any benefits to help us out with her keep?

Question

she has come to live with us to escape her parents who have just split up (very messy)

Answer 1

We experienced this recently and made the mistake of paying all the expenses ourselves, only to have her parents snatch her back against her wishes, whilst trashing everything we did.
(Our grand-child is now in Care, feeling very lost, suicidal & we can't help her!)
On reflection we should have written down the expenses and made written requests to her parents for reimbursement. They certainly have more money & it is their responsibility.
The very best of luck!
Another bit of advice: If you feel it is necessary to protect this child from her parents, seek a court order granting residency!

Answer 2

16 is a funny age! well done to you for taking the poor girl in though. If she is going onto further education, you are still entitled to child benefit until she is 19, also if your income is low look into tax credits, you can do this anon and they will give u an answer. the best of luck to you all x

Answer 3

In many cases, in the United States, you can claim a child as a dependant even if it's not yours, but only if they live with you and you are their primary provider for at least 6 months out of the year. The best thing for you to do, is contact your local IRS agency, and explain the situation to them, and they can tell you.

Answer 4

As she is 16 and if she is not working, I would imagine that she would have to try and claim benefit I doubt if you could, but as she left home of her own accord I would not hold out to much hope

Answer 5

if she is still at school, then you can claim child benefit for another 2 years. but thats is. she will have to get a job.

Answer 6

I would presume her parents are still getting any entitlements, but if not and shes still at school you could get child benefit.

Answer 7

if you are in the uk then you can go to social services and fill out foster forms.