Do I have to claim my gross distribution for an IRA?

My mother passed away unexpectedly last April, and her IRA was split between my brothers & I. We used it for her funeral, she didnt have a will or life insurance. I'm being taxed on $6,000 now. For 2 seperate IRA's. By claiming the smaller IRA money, which is 2000$, it puts me over the limit to get the EIC, by a few hundred dollars. Can I claim one this year and one next year? I really need the money this year, because I'm stuck paying some of my moms bills still. or would I get into trouble if I claimed them both, but maybe made them out to be a couple hundred less then what they really are? I hate to do this, but my sons dad is claiming my son, and I'm so short on money, that I'm barely getting by. I dont want to lose my house, or anything and the EIC could really help right now. Please Help! Thanks