looking after niece - financial help needed

caraboo

Hi - everyone. Just after a bit of advice. Niece currently living with her mum - things def not working out. Her dad works away. (mum and dad divorced)

Niece now wants to live with her uncle and cousin who is also the same age. This sounds ok to me but i am concerned financially as to who will pay for her upkeep. Family allowance doesnt really cover it.

Her father is willing to pay financially, but is there ways to make the mother (who works full time and has no other dependents) to pay towards as well.

I feel that as both parents work - they should both be made to contribute but dont really want to go a legal route - would prefer to keep it so it suits all concerned.

I am concerned aunty trying to think of all routes with as little hassle as possible. Any advice would be appreciated

Savvy_Sue

I think these days that an arrangement like this has to be 'cleared' with Social Services - just something I'm remembering from previous threads. Not that you'll get any financial help, even though going into care would be a far more expensive option!

BUT if you are getting the Child Benefit for the girl, then you may also be able to get Tax Credits - try putting some figures for two children rather than just one into entitled to and see what you get.

I'm sorry I don't know about financial assistance from her mother.