Changes to benefits for lone parents – what’s going on?

enable javascript

Changes to benefits for lone parents – what’s going on?

July 2008

Download this information as a PDF below

You may have heard in the press or from your Jobcentre Plus office that the Government is making changes to benefits for lone parents, and wants more lone parents to look for and take up paid jobs. This bulletin explains what is happening and when.

Some details about how this change will work have not yet been confirmed. We will be updating this bulletin as soon as we have more information, but if you have any doubts in the mean time, phone the Lone Parent Helpline on 0800 018 5026.

What changes are being made to Income Support?

Which lone parents can continue to claim Income Support when their youngest child reaches 12?

What will I have to do if I claim Jobseeker's Allowance?

I still have to look after my children. What does ‘available for work' and ‘actively seeking work' mean for lone parents?

What if I leave work or cannot look for work because my family is having to cope with the end of my relationship or a bereavement? What if I can't find childcare?

I am studying or training, or want to study or train, and my youngest child is or will be aged over 12 in November. What will happen to my benefits?

Will I be able to claim benefits if my youngest child is aged 12 or over and I leave my job?

What will happen if I don't meet the conditions for claiming Jobseeker's Allowance?

Is there any extra financial help for lone parents who move into paid work?

What should I do now?

What has One Parent Families|Gingerbread been doing about all this?

How can I get my views heard by the Government?

benefits-changes-08-July (PDF 91KB)

...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 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.

Copyright © National Council for One Parent Families, 255 Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2LX.

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