Would it be worth applying for a CCG?

RAS

The otehr thing to ask your Social Worker for is a referal to the Furniture recycling network http://www.frn.org.uk/.

They offer free or cheap recycled goods which may enable you to get things sorted out.

snuggs_2

Sorry to hear about your loss, I admire your strength. I'd reccomend given your circumstances having a bash at the CCG and with a supporting letter and your fingers crossed you may be considered for it. Unfortunatly the pot is running a bit dry at the moment (so I hear) however they are looking at all cases in depth and certainly gathering supporting evidence for each application. I'd also look into org's such as SHAP and sure start if you have one in your local area as they usually have a catalouge of free items of furnitiure, also such places as the salvation army. However I do think s/worker has a duty of care towards your sister and you as her carer and I am aware of the deep pot's of money they have so make sure you ask. You could do with a benefits check also so try and get in touch with your local CAB for some benefits advice regarding your entitlements.

angie12

Hi Denzal
So sorry about your Mam. My Mam died when I was 22 and left 5 of us with the youngest being only 6 years old. It's hard because you have to be strong for them, at the same time as grieving. It's totally overwhelming.
Wouldn't you be eligible for foster fees? I know a woman who has taken on 3 grandchildren and she gets it.
We ended up being tricked onto Guardians allowance. (It was only £10 each child back then). They used emotional blackmail to get us to come off it. (Said they could take my brothers anytime they want if I choose Foster fees.) I was scared witless and did what they said.
Years later, we were told that we should have taken legal advice as they shouldn't have done it.
IMHO I think you should do as someone else has suggested, make an appointment to see CAB. They are very helpful and only have your interest at heart.

Best wishes
Angie.

AsknAnswer2

Hello, Denzal. I'm very sorry about your loss.

Totally as an aside, being that you are on income based JSA, have you looked into a Social Fund Funeral Payment? It can help toward some of the costs of the funeral. It is affected by other money which may be available to pay toward the funeral but worth looking into as funeral costs are very expensive.

ekkygirl

Tell the social worker you wish to foster your sister, This is possible and the Foster Carer allowance does not affect your benefits. It is in their interests for you raise your sister as it would cost far more to arrange foster care outside the family. I guarentee they will try and fob you off but insist on it.

Orville

Denzal wrote: »

My mother very recently died (about two weeks ago) and I am now looking after my sister who is 10 years old. I myself am 22 years old.

I have since come to live in my sister's/mother's house and I have found out that certain aspects are not really up to scratch. The cooker is broken, with the oven not working entirely and the rest working intermittently. I'm a semi-competent cook but the lack of a functioning cooker is putting a dampener on that.

Other basic stuff is also in bad repair, to the point where it's a miracle it's still functioning.

My sister herself is involved quite heavily with social services. The day of my mother's death she was put on the child protection register, and it is now my job to ensure she has a stable, safe environment to hopefully get her taken off. I really don't think this is possible given the circumstances of the house, and I myself am in no real position to fix stuff (I've been unemployed for a while and I'm claiming Income based JSA).

Obviously community care grants are for people in bad circumstances, and from my perspective it seems like we're in pretty bad circumstances.

Would it be worthwhile to even fill out the forms? I know the social fund can be pretty picky about what qualifies or not, and I'm not sure if our situation is dire enough for their particular tastes.

Many thanks for any advice

How long have you been claiming Income Based JSA. If it's over 26 weeks (6 months) you could apply for a budgeting loan. This is paid back interest free from your benefit each week. Reasons you can claim for are :-

furniture or household equipment
clothing or footwear
advance rent or removal expenses for a new home
travelling expenses
things to help you look for or start work
improving, maintaining or securing your home
repaying hire purchase or other debts you took out to pay for any of the above.

If you feel you need new stuff for your house then i would think you should qualify.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_10018905

john539

Good luck. :T

steve_sona

I have had a back condition for over 15 years,in October 2009 i was unable to walk for a couple of weeks,in march 2010 i had an operation to remove some of a prolapsed disc,after the operation the surgeon said he removed 85-90% of the disc & now have degenerative,extensive nerve damage.i have been told to apply for a CCG for an adjustable bed as i have to have help to get into & out of bed & a new washing machine as ours has broken & i am unable to carry anything that has any weight to it, & cannot afford taxies to & from a laundrette.
i was refused a CCG as the items i asked for are " not priority items".after checking with Social Services,who had told me to apply for the CCG,they again told me that i am at "substantial risk when transferring to or from bed"& to ask for a review.

Just to clear things up, i am not just after all i can get,since April,i have applied for 60 jobs,no luck so far.