Childcare help

jaygrunt

Hello

I was wondering if someone can help with a bit(a lot) of information

A couple I know,both in their 60's,have been placed in a situation where they have been put in charge of their 4 grandchildren (age between 10 to 1 an half).
For the last 2 and a half months they have had no money from the social security and have been living on their bank card and savings.
I was wondering if they wrote to their MP would this make the social get their asses into gear and get this lovely couple some money.
Its a very complicated situation so I'm sorry but cant go into too many details on here.

Many thanks

dizzybuff

If they are in full care of the children as in a permanant placement , they can apply for tax credits and child benefit. They have to be in full time care of their grandparents though..

What are they looking after them for , where are there parents...

They need to apply soon as tax credits will only go back 3 months

jaygrunt

dizzybuff wrote: »

If they are in full care of the children as in a permanant placement , they can apply for tax credits and child benefit. They have to be in full time care of their grandparents though..

What are they looking after them for , where are there parents...

They need to apply soon as tax credits will only go back 3 months

They have applied for both these but as I say they have now been waiting for 2-3 months.The parents are around but because of the situation between the parents,they could either let them go into care or take them into their house(no brainer really)
Do you think if they wrote to thier MP it would speed up the process that lets them get some money...so they can actually do things with the kids and perhaps get a car?

dizzybuff

contact tax credits first . then if nothing the mp . maybe just let the mp what going on but dont expect miricles

Valli

They are probably also entitled to free school meals. Need to contact their County Council education dept ASAP...
And they can PHONE their MP. They're often in the phone book. It's probably one of those situations where they need to shout, long, loud and often.

Chances are if the grandparents AREN'T getting the child benefit the parents still are. Make a fuss!

jaygrunt

Valli wrote: »

Chances are if the grandparents AREN'T getting the child benefit the parents still are. Make a fuss!

I have heard that the mother is entitled to the first 6 weeks back money EVEN though she only has sees them for a few hours a weeks

Valli

Child Benefit
The above link tells you what's what. I'm assuming (because of what you have posted) that this is an informal arrangement. If it HAS been 'organised' by Social Services THEY should be assisting the grandparents here - had the children gone into care through a formal arrangement Social Services would be making financial arrangements.
Nevertheless the fair situation would be for the MAIN carers to get the money - either directly frorm CB or indirectly from the parents receiving it.