Parents

If you're a parent, this website offers you information about the practical support available to you. It includes information on finding a job, childcare, training and financial help.

Lone Parents

If you're a lone parent there is extra support available to you when you are looking for work and when you start work.

Find out more about the extra support available to you.

On 24 November 2008, changes were introduced to Income Support for lone parents.

The change is one of several changes to how the current benefit system works.

It may affect your if you are already claiming Income Support as a lone parent or when you make a new claim to benefit as a lone parent.

Find out more about these changes.

Work to suit your needs

You have lots of options when you are ready to start work or looking to change your working pattern. If you haven't worked for a while, you might want to spend some time getting used to being back in a work environment. Or, you might want to find training to help you get the right job.

Work doesn't have to mean full-time, there are other options which may suit you better when you're a parent.

Personal advisers

Our Personal Advisers, based at the Jobcentre will offer you all the help, support and advice you need. They can discuss your personal situation with you and work with you to achieve your goals.

They can help you work out what's right for you, and for your children both now and in the future.

Your personal adviser can do a 'Better off in work' calculation with you. They will start by confirming any benefits you're currently getting and adding up your weekly household income. Then they will look at the amount you could be earning in a job you're interested in and any benefits you may get, such as Housing Benefit. This will help you decide if a job is financially right for you.