Important information for lone parents considering entering education

enable javascript

Updated 20 August 2008

Changes from November 2008 mean that some lone parents who want to study or train full time will have their benefits affected. This is because over the next few years the Government plans that lone parents whose only or youngest child is a certain age will have to claim income-based Jobseeker's Allowance instead of Income Support unless they are unable to work because of sickness or disability or receiving Carer's Allowance. See How does studying in higher education affect my benefits? for more information and to find out when these changes may affect you.

What does this mean for me?

Most lone parents in higher education only claim benefit in the summer holiday. If you have to claim Jobseeker's Allowance during the summer, this is paid at the same amount as Income Support but you have to satisfy other conditions, such as being available for work.
If you are thinking about starting a course in the future, it is better for you to start your course before the change affects you (see the table on page 5).
Do not let this put you off getting into education or claiming money your family needs! If you are worried about any of this call the Lone Parent Helpline for advice.

Next page: What is Student Support?

...Back to previous page


	Account
	Log In Register (new user)





Lone parents caring for a child with a disability or long- term health problem

	Resources
	Print Page E-mail Page Advanced Search Shopping Cart Links WWW One Parent Families Scotland Parentline Plus Links this site One Parent Families Manchester Links WWW Back to Signposter Links this site Jobs - Current vacancies Office Contact One Parent Families\| Gingerbread 255 Kentish Town Road London NW5 2LX Helpline: 0800 018 5026 Tel: 020 7428 5400 Fax: 020 7482 4851 Click to email us Note: we cannot answer emails seeking personal advice. Please refer to the Helpline. Helpline Number - 0800 018 5026 Calls are FREE from landlines. Mobile rates vary. Get Adobe Reader

The National Council for One Parent Families is a registered charity no: 230750

and a company limited by guarantee and registered in London no: 402748.

VAT number 587315610. View our privacy policy and our disclaimer.

If you have any comments on this web site please send them to

our web site manager web@oneparentfamilies.org.uk.

Design & development by Engino 2003 - 2008