Changes to benefits for lone parents

On 24 November 2008, changes were introduced to Income Support for certain lone parents. These changes mean that a lone parent's Income Support may stop when their youngest child reaches a certain age – if they have been getting Income Support only because they are a lone parent.

Instead, the lone parent can make a claim for Jobseeker's Allowance or another benefit with the support of Jobcentre Plus. This is one of several changes we are making to the benefit system to help people get skills for work and move into paid employment.

Are all lone parents affected?

The changes apply to lone parents who claim Income Support only because they are a lone parent. The changes may not apply to lone parents if they are claiming Income Support for other reasons. For example, if they:

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 them
are claiming Income Support because of health reasons.

There may be other reasons why these changes will not apply. A lone parent who is unsure should ask their adviser.

When will the changes happen?

These changes will be phased-in over three years.

From 24 November 2008, if a lone parent's youngest child is aged 12 or over, or will be 12 in the next year, their Income Support may stop during that year.

From 26 October 2009, if a lone parent's youngest child is aged 10 or over, or will be 10 in the next year, their Income Support may stop during that year.

From 25 October 2010, if a lone parent's youngest child is aged 7 or over, or will be 7 in the next year, their Income Support may stop during that year.

How will a lone parent find out about the change?

Jobcentre Plus will contact the lone parent 8 weeks before their Income Support is due to stop. They will tell them when their last payment will be and invite them to an interview with an adviser. The adviser will explain what they need to do to make a claim for another benefit.

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

From 24 November 2008, most lone parents, with a youngest child of 12 or over, making a new or repeat claim, would no longer be entitled to Income Support only on the grounds of being a lone parent. From 26 October 2009 this will be extended to most lone parents with a youngest child of 10 or over and from 25 October 2010 those with a youngest child of 7 or over.