Social services have been taking care of me since i was 14, now im 21 and presently studying at university and

until now, social services have been paying for my accomodation and giving me money every week to support myself, but because im now in higher education and just received the free grant (£2765.00) they told me that they cant longer support me and i need to get a job and pay for my accomodation and support myself. The problem is, my brother is mentally disabled and i have been taking care of him since i was 14 ( i have always avoided living in childrens home coz of him), my brother is 23 and he receives disability allowance and income support, and because i take care of him i receive carers allowance. But now, my social worker told me that i have to move to a different place from my brother and pay my own expenses, i dont really want to leave my brother. Will the housing benefit pay the rent for both of us or do i really must separate from him and pay my own rent?right now,his housingbenefit pays his rent and social services pay my other half,i dont want to leave him, he wont cope alon

Social services have been taking care of me since i was 14, now im 21 and presently studying at university and
you are over the age of 21 and you can live where you want the social service cannot tell you to move.


and even if they own the house you and your brother live in they cannot make you move.


dont bother with the CAB go and see a solictor and explain your problems with him/her and take it from there.





do not leave your brother at all you dont have to I may be a cynic but I suspect a ulterior motive to the events you have described. the social services have got something up there sleeve believe me
Reply:God, I have no idea but I would say the first thing you should do is contact your nearest Citizens' Advice Bureau, they can advise.





ALSO, NEVER ACCEPT the first decision you get from the government, regarding benefits etc, ALWAYS fight every decision (it's awful to have to think that way but it's the only way you'll come close to getting what you want).





Is there any way you can get some care time from a volunteer organisation, so that someone can take your brother off your hands one or two days a week? You love your bro but you need some respite and a little time to yourself!





Best of luck because your situation sounds terrible- you must be very strong.
Reply:If you are at university then speak to the finance people their i remember the forms having sections for those who have dependants, you will most probably be given extra funding from somewhere else to take account of this!





Other wise i know it is really hard but you shouldn't be held back your entire life because of him, he is 14 so they will still look after him for a long time you can always vist and have him move back in with you after your education and when you have a real job possibly.
Reply:you dont have to move, go to your gp and explain the situation, also the cab could help, dont accept what social services tell you, you have rights
Reply:Don't quote me on this, but I seem to remember that Social Services only support you legally until you are an adult, i.e. 18.


In extenuating circumstances, they are able to make a special case for support until a person reaches 21. After that, legally, the financial onus passes to Social Security or whatever they call themselves these days! So, if this is the case, you will have to apply to the Social for financial assistance.
Reply:Talk to someone at the Citizens Advice Bureau, they will be able to help you with all of this. The problem is Social Services, Housing Benefit and the DSS will all tell you a different story so something like the CAB can research it altogether for you and find the truth!
Reply:Isnt that just typical of Britain ! Support someone than just as they are about to achieve sometihng , pull the rug from under them ! They need the money to support Albanian Gypsies my friend !





Find out who is your MP and write to them. Also write to the minister for Social services.





I am paying my taxes to support people like you...and that i dont mind !





Good luck and put up a good fight. If you need any help tracking down agencies or Politicians that can help you , then email me. Only too glad to help you !
Reply:I would've thought that housing benefit should cover your rent too. Give them a ring and explain the problem to them and see what they have to say. They could possibly run the figures through the computer to give you some idea of what you can get.





I would also speak to the CAB, I was always under the impression that Social Services had to provide for you until you finished university and your education. I know someone who was told that SS would support her through uni so that she wouldn't need to get a loan to study and they would ensure she left uni debt free! I am sure I read something about them putting a lot of money into putting children in care through uni to try to break the cycle of no education, no job, no money, poor childcare etc.





Good luck with this, I hope I have helped. xxx
Reply:Citizens Advice will tell you everything you need to know