Bereaved 17 yo child and benefit system

Oldernotwiser

Verianna wrote: »

What the bloody hell has that got to do with anything? So what if they were seperated 10 years or 10 days. This isn't Eastenders and surely you need to question you forum etiquette if you are getting your knickers in a twist over the finer details of a very simple question in what must be a truely awful time for OP :mad:

What a very silly post. If this child's parents had only been separated for 10 days he'd still be very much in her life; after 10 years he may well not be. Pretty relevant I'd've thought.

Stop stirring when some people are trying to give useful information.

belfastgirl23

Thanks guys, the reason for the confusion over her dad is that he is in her life but he has health problems etc himself and will not be in a position to look after her. When I said he wasn't in the picture I meant in terms of providing care for her. I appreciate it does make a difference from a benefits point of view though which is why i was asking here. it's scaring me that a child in this position could end up falling through all of the benefit cracks and whilst I can support her to some degree I would really like to see her getting anything else she is entitled to since IMHO this is really a situation that the benefits system has been set up to address. Especially since she is a hardworking girl and will just need a bit of help to get her through the next six months or so and get her A'levels under her belt. Really appreciate all the help and sorry again for any confusion.

Zara33

belfastgirl i'm really not trying to be a pain and cause you any further hurt because believe me i know exactly how this feels. We also looked into a funeral grant when my sister passed away and there were many "if's" and "buts" at the end of the day we had to get a bank loan to pay for the funeral.
The person arraing the funeral is liable for the costs so if the father was to arrange the funearl then maybe there would be a way around it. I don't think it is fair that a 17 year old is left with all funeral expenses but it is down to the DWP at the end of the day, my main query was that the father had be estranged from the wife for so long.

I hope i did not cause you any further hurt x

Willspireite

Hi belfastgirl ... have sent you a pm ... dunno if it'll be any use to you, but don't hesitate to get in touch if it does! All the best.

mummytofour

I just want to give the OP a pat on the back, for caring enough to help the you lady in question at a time when she is so vunerbale somebody that cares can make all the differance. x

Oldernotwiser

belfastgirl23 wrote: »

Thanks guys, the reason for the confusion over her dad is that he is in her life but he has health problems etc himself and will not be in a position to look after her. When I said he wasn't in the picture I meant in terms of providing care for her.

But does he actually need to provide care for her? As long as she's got caring family/friends like you around, it's really the money that's the problem.Could he claim CTC and CB and pass it on, if it's going to be difficult for her to manage otherwise?

(When, exactly, is she 18)

belfastgirl23

Thanks all. We have covered all 'cash' funeral expenses so far but are expecting another £1600 bill minimum. The grant only covers about £900 if I'm right so we will also meet any extra expenses.

Oldnernotwiser you're right, dad doesn't need to provide care for her, sorry just saying he isn't going to be able to support her financially. But you're right it's worth investigating what he can claim for her, I will def ask about this when I go to the advice people. Many thanks for the web links everyone too, I am investigating these in bits and pieces when I get time...And she turns 18 in Feb...

Thanks Wilespirite...alas we can't avail of your help although I might well PM you after we've been to the advice centre if I get confused

And cheers everyone for all the kind words, it's lovely that other people care as well

booklover

Hi belfastgirl

Sorry to hear about your loss; it must be very hard for you. It is really good thought that this young girl has you in her life to help and guide her.

I hope the funeral went over ok.

Take care

Fiona xx