Sorry, this is a bit long -
a client who is a refugee receiving IS and CB for herself and her daughter has now got 2 additional children who have arrived in the country to live with her (their immigration status is another mess entirely). As far as i can tell the children's immig status is irrelevent and the mother is perfectly entitled to receive both CB and CTC for each of them.

I can't figure out the best way of her applying for it tho. Her current CTC claim for her one child is a complete mess and hasn't been processed properly (her MP is involved) so she still gets the IS element. I spoke to the inland revenue who said she should notify the change to them by phone but i'm pretty sure that it will get chaotic. The IR on the other hand assure me it will be more chaotic if she fills in forms...

as for child benefit, there are no birth certificates for the new children (they are Somali) and I can't find anyone at the CB office who knows what it's best to do.

the need for additional money is urgent 9my colleague is doing a separate application for social services assessments as they arrived unexpected and unaccompanied so that's covered)

I've suggested she apply for a social fund grant/ loan but that's only a very temporary solution.

if anyone has any ideas about how best to get her entitlements I'd be very grateful. Many thanks!