Changes to Income Support for lone parents

Your entitlement to Income Support may stop when your child reaches a certain age, if you are only claiming it because you are a lone parent. However you may be entitled to other benefits and support.

About the changes

On 24 November 2008 changes were introduced to Income Support for some lone parents. They mean that your entitlement to Income Support may stop when your child reaches a certain age, if you are only claiming it because you are a lone parent.

Instead, you will have to make a claim for another benefit, and if you are able, you will be encouraged to look for paid work. Jobcentre Plus will support you with this.

Who the changes will affect

These changes do not apply to you if you receive Income Support for additional reasons. For example, if you:

• have children who are entitled to the middle-rate or highest-rate care component of Disability Living Allowance
• get Carer's Allowance
• are fostering and have a foster child living with you

There may be other reasons why these changes do not apply to you. If you are not sure, ask your Jobcentre Plus adviser.

Contact Jobcentre Plus

When the changes will happen

These changes are being phased in over three years:

• from 24 November 2008, if your youngest child was aged 12 or over, your Income Support may already have stopped if you were only claiming it because you were a lone parent.
• from 26 October 2009, if your youngest child is aged ten or over, or will be ten in the next year, your Income Support may stop during that year if you are only claiming it because you are a lone parent.
• from 25 October 2010, if your youngest child is aged seven or over, or will be seven in the next year, your Income Support may stop during that year if you are only claiming it because you are a lone parent.

What happens when your Income Support stops

Jobcentre Plus will contact you eight weeks before your Income Support is due to stop to tell you when your last payment is due. Jobcentre Plus will also invite you to an interview with an adviser, who will explain what you need to do to make a claim for another benefit if you have not found paid work.

It is very important that you attend this interview so that you continue to receive the right benefits and financial support if you need it.

Making a new or repeat claim to benefit as a lone parent

Most lone parents, with a youngest child of ten or over, making a new or repeat claim, are no longer entitled to Income Support only on the grounds of being a lone parent.

From 25 October 2010 this will be extended to most lone parents with a youngest child of seven or over.

Other benefits which you may be entitled to

If you have not found work when your Income Support ends, or if you need to make a new claim as a lone parent, you will be able to apply for either Jobseeker's Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance.

Jobseeker's Allowance is the main benefit for people who are out of work. To receive it, you must be available for and actively looking for work. As a parent, you may be able to arrange the hours you are available for work to fit in with your childcare responsibilities. Your adviser will be able to provide you with more information.

Employment and Support Allowance is the main benefit for people who are not able to work due to a health condition or disability.

Jobseekers Allowance
Employment Support Allowance
Contact Jobcentre Plus

Claiming tax credits

Child Tax Credit is paid by HM Revenue & Customs and replaces the child related element that may currently be paid with your Income Support. To get Child Tax Credit, you need to complete a claim form. Your adviser can help you to complete the right form.

Tax credits (Directgov website)