i would be be very grateful if someone can tell me the answer to the following.

16 year old young woman who is in the care of the local authority. She is about to have a baby. Initially, she will be in a mother and baby unit with her baby, The young woman will remain in the care of the local authority but, apparently, the baby will not. Is there anything stopping the young woman claiming child benefit, child tax credit or a maternity grant?

Tony

Absolutely nothing to stop her. Furthermore, she could claim IS for herself from 6 wks before the birth on the grounds of deemed inacapacity for work, then as a lone parent. Makes no difference that she is in LA care. The LA may reduce the fostering payments by the amount of the IS, but if they are only paying the national minimum rate there may be no provision for them to do this.

Thanks a lot for replying Brian.

I was pretty sure about claiming for the child but just wanted some reassurance.

However, I had made a mistake about her claiming IS for herself. I had looked in CPAG which says she is entitled - I then checked Leaving Care Regs and misread them! Having gone back to them following your reply I see that she is entitled. So grateful for being put back on right track.

Tony