benefit entitlements

[newbie]

After a long sorry story my son's girlfriend could not live at home anymore and also her mother has completely disowned her. She is now living with us but can someone advise if there are any benefits she can claim. She is 16 years old and a student - she has no income. I know that her mother is claiming child benefit for her can this be claimed by the child? I feel so sorry for her so any help would be great. Thanks

[supersaint]

Hi you could ring the benefits agency i am sure they could give any advice you need or you could ring the citizens advice centre, good luck

[friedgreentomato]

No the child cannot claim child benefit but you can.

[friedgreentomato]

There is very little she can claim whilst entitlement to child benefit remains

[EDDIE51]

You need to tell the child benefit agency that she is living with you and not her Mum , you can then claim her child benefit. Obviously her Mum will lose the benefit as it can't be payed twice.
Is her mum working ? if so she may be claiming family tax credit to which she is not entitled , once you are getting her child benefit you should be able to claim family tax credit as well if you or your partner if you have one, are working. As has been said the child can not claim anything as she is under 18, it has to be the parent or other adult she lives with (ie you)