What can I do?

Sorry for your loss. You are in a difficult situation, but beware. If you call APS, they may decide the minor children need to go into the system.
Definitely reach out to social security....you are 17, but you sound like you are mature enough. Go to your ss office with grandma, bring your dad's death certificate and anything that shows granny has legal custody. Tell them you are there to look into benefits for yourself and the other children (all under 21).

These government workers are people too, when they see a young girl take the reigns and try to help granny with the kids, I bet they will help guide you through the system.

Beware of giving too much info, do NOT use the word abuse.....you will open the door to investigations and potential outcomes you do not want. The word abuse has legal consequences....use it if someone is being hurt physically, or stolen from, etc.. Teenage rebellion and uncooperativeness may not meet the level of abuse.

No one is more worthy of entitlement programs than a grandma suddenly raising 5 kids, look into food stamps, Obama Phones and any other local programs. You can become pretty well versed in these on the Internet.

Accept a helping hand today if you need one, I am sure you will grow up to be a highly contributing member of society, who will pay it forward tomorrow.

May God strengthen and Bless you and granny and guide your siblings to be their best.

My darling, the best you can do is support your gram is to encourage her to take appropriate legal action against your mom. Your gram may be receiving social security benefits for you and your siblings. If not? She should be. Support her in exploring that, although I'm guessing she's already receiving it.

In the meantime, honor your gram by getting good grades in school.

Since your mother lost custody and your father is deceased, I believe you and your younger siblings are technically wards of the state. Your grandmother should be able to apply for subsidies as your foster parents.

She's done all that she could. After my dad passed away, my mom put a bunch of crap in their heads so they disrespect her constantly. She doesn't want them here but she feels as though she'd be letting my dad down if she sends them away.

if your grandma is permitting the abuse then shes has sole responsibility for her predicament . most parents who fail to parent end up drowning in the mess they made . my two sons would never rare up on me although either could snap me like a twig . authority should have been settled when the kids were quite young .

And the rest of us are 13, 15, 16, and 17

We are all living with her as of right now. My mother wasn't awarded custody because she lost it 10 years ago for letting her boyfriend abuse us. She's still with him so we can't go there. Every day, my siblings start arguments with her and call her names. She's trying very hard but it's sad to see her crying all day every day worrying about how the bills are gonna be paid.

All the children under age 18 should be eligible to receive social security. Your grandmother needs a family law attorney and should have the attorney get the money due from your mom (since it sounds like legally she is supposed to pay). Also there is help available from social services including food stamps and perhaps housing support. Talk with your guidance councilor at school. Perhaps she can help you and your grandmother find the correct services and help. My best to you. Sorry for your loss.

How old are the other children?? The 19 year old can be asked to leave.. she is now an adult and it's time to help out or get out! good luck to you, you sound like you are trying very hard to be a help

I am curious when your Dad had passed away [sorry for your loss] why your mother wasn't awarded custody of her own children.... if the Court requires your Mom to pay child support she must be healthy enough physically and emotionally to be working.

Have your Grandmother get an attorney to have your Mother's wages garnished.... meaning the child support will automatically be taken from her pay and sent to the court, which in turn will forward said funds to your Grandmother.

If your father died, you are eligible for support from Social Security. Has grandma looked into that?

In most states, relatives can apply to the state to be foster parents and can get the same subsidy as any other foster parent (I think). Have you checked into your state's Family and Child Services department? If you haven't, you should. It should not be up to teenagers to support a family.

How are your siblings harassing your grandmother? Are you all living with her now? It's hard to know how to answer without specifics. It may be better for some of the kids to go to another foster home (selected by Child Services) if it's not working out with your grandmother for reasons other than money.