Need Advise ^_^

Sophie__3

I was wondering if anyone would know if I'm entitled to any other money..
I'm 19 and live with my younger brother and sister in a rented house. My mum passed away in Janurary and since I've become my brother and sisters guarian, I work part-time and get working tax credits, child tax credits and child benefit. I've got back too college last week and thats when I've gone down too part-time hours in work, I've rung tax credits and I'm getting a little bit more money but it doesnt cover the money I've lost from cutting shifts and I'm struggling too pay my rent and bills. I get housing benefit but its like a quater of my whole rent and thats all what I'm told I'm entitled too.
I'm fed up of being skint especially when we're got so much stuff to deal with.. I know nothing about financial stuff and benefits just wondered if there was any help I could possibly get?
Thanks (:

Lady_gaga

if you get child benefit, tax credits and help with rent alongside your wages I don't think there is anything else you can get, what is your total monthy income?

Fiver29

Have you told the housing dept that your income has dropped? You may be entitled to more rent there.

cosmic-dust

You will also be entitled to guardians allowance.

spikeripley

Losing your mum at any age is an awful thing but at your age especially so . I hope your all holding up ok, well as much as you can in the circumstances. I would contact the Citizens advice bureau and ask them for advice. Although its not ideal I would have thought you were probably better off on benefits than working part time and going to college until your siblings were older the way the system works. Hope everything works out for you.

Mupette

oh what a horrible situation to be in.

Do you have a social worker? can they help you?

SuziQ

I don't have any advice about benefits but wanted to say I'm sorry about your situation. To be looking after siblings, studying and working shows you are a very well motivated and determined person, and you deserve to go far. I am shocked that there doesn't seem anything specific you can claim, unless you can check Cosmic's advice re Guardian's allowance? I would also have expected you to be getting support and advice from a Social worker, as Mupette posted.

Lady_gaga

cosmic-dust wrote: »

You will also be entitled to guardians allowance.

Your right I didn't think it would be paid on top of tax credits but it is, the amount is £14.75 per week per child.