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Changes to Income Support for lone parents

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

About the changes

From 25 October 2010, if your youngest child is age 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.

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.

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
  • 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 Social Security / Jobs and Benefits office.

What happens when your Income Support stops

Your Social Security / Jobs and Benefits office will contact you eight weeks before your Income Support is due to stop to tell you when your last payment is due and to invite you to a voluntary interview six weeks before your Income Support ends to discuss the action you may need to take. At the interview an adviser 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 seven or over, making a new or repeat claim, are no longer entitled to Income Support only on the grounds of being a lone parent.

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 lone parent with a youngest child aged 12 or under, you have the right to restrict the hours you are available to work. This means that you will not be expected to work outside your child’s normal school hours. 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.

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 Social Security / Jobs and Benefits office can help you to complete the right form.