are grandparents entitled to any finacial help for full time care of grandchildren?

Question

i currently have full custody of my grandsons due to my daughter having a mental break down and attempting suiside, social work department have not had any envolvment with the kids up untill now but socil work department brought the kids to my care, i am financial broke and to accomadat the kids i have had to cut my working hours by more than half therefor im in a worse financial state then before, i have tryed on numerious occassions to get funding from socilks work department but no luck, the children were brought to me in only the clothes they were standing in i had to go out and buy beds clothing etc etc and yet still no help, after talking with duty socail worker she advised me the only way i woulkd get financial help would be if i said i could not take care of the children and for social workers to uplift them for them to be placed with foster carers for a few nights then get them back but i cant do it to the boys they have been threw so much do u know any1 who can help

Answer 1

The answer does depend a bit on what state (or even country) you live in. In the US and in some states they will have "Kinship Care" programs which do provide money. Now sometimes you have to go through a formal process to become eligible (this sometimes entails going through the foster care training program - as Foster Care parents are funded for their care of foster youth - the system attempts correct a huge injustice that those in foster care get help - those who are not don't). Also given your poverty level you should be elligible for food stamps, section 8 housing, and other forms of public assistance. Your department of social services should help, you might also see if your state has a kinship care support network...some examples below.

DA

Answer 2

What an awful situation to be in. I can quite understand that you don't want any more upheaval for your grandsons and I'm shocked that Social Services have been so unhelpful.

If you are in the UK, then its worth getting in contact with the CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau). They may well be able to guide you as to your entitlements. They should be in the phone book.

If your daughter is currently receiving treatment, the hospital social work department might also be able to assist you. With regard to clothing and so on, there may be a local charitable organization that might be able to help. Again, the CAB would be able to advise you. Good luck.

Answer 3

My Mother could not get any help financially from the social work department for her Grandchild.

However she was entitled the Child Benefit/Guardians allowance, Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit/
Child Benefit Helpline Tel: [phone].

http://www.taxcredits.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/Qualify/WhatAreTaxCredits.aspx
Tax credits helpline Tel [phone]

Good Luck

Answer 4

As you have full custody you should be receiving the child benefit for each of the children.

The child benefit will entitle you to child tax credits for each child as well

Both above benefits will provide you with an additional £70 per child per week

If you are working 16 hours or more each week you will be entitled to working tax credit whilst you have the children. This will be an additional £70 to £100 per week

If you, or your partner/husband is claiming income support, job seekers allowance or pension credit. You will be entitled to apply to the community care grant fund. This will pay for items like clothes, beds and additional necessary items

Your social worker sounds like she knows very little about her work.

I would stongly suggest you ask for another one or visit your local CAB

Answer 5

no i agree cant believe a social worker told you to do that. if your working part time you must be able to claim child tax credits, even single mums that dont work get that now. you need to contact a benefits advice line. i hope your daughter gets better soon x

Answer 6

If you are the legal guardians for these children, then you should be entitled to child's tax credits and working tax credits for them.

You can pick up application forms from your local benefits office.

Answer 7

I would go to CAB for advice, cos I am sure that you are able to get financial help as a woman at my school is looking after her nieces due to unfortunate family probs and she even gets cab fares! Go check it out.

Answer 8

in uncomplicated terms toddler earnings and toddler Tax credit. She might get it rather of the toddler's mom. She can be waiting to get working Tax credit with the childcare ingredient if she works yet is on a low earnings.

Answer 9

You should at least be able to get child support from the kids' father.

Answer 10

in my oppininon this is absolutely ridiculous! of course you should all the financial support you need. however i have never heard of anyone in your situation and i have not much advice on your course of action. however you have my total support and keep searching!
GOOD LUCK!!!