Updated 27 October 2010
Changes to benefits for lone parents
From 25 October 2010, most lone parents with a youngest child aged 7 or over will no longer be entitled to Income Support only on the grounds of being a lone parent. Instead, those able to take up paid employment may claim Jobseeker’s Allowance and those with a disability or health condition may claim Employment and Support Allowance.
Are all lone parents affected?
No. The changes currently apply to lone parents with a youngest child aged 7 or over. Also the changes only apply to lone parents who claim Income Support 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.
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?
The changes have been introduced over three consecutive years.
From 24 November 2008, if a lone parent's youngest child was aged 12 or over, or would have been 12 in the next year, their Income Support may have stopped during that year.
From 26 October 2009, if a lone parent's youngest child was aged 10 or over, or would have been 10 in the next year, their Income Support may have stopped during that year.
Now, 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.
What happens when the lone parents Income Support ends?
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 25 October 2010 most lone parents, with a youngest child of 7 or over, making a new or repeat claim, will no longer be entitled to Income Support only on the grounds of being a lone parent.
Detailed guide
Jobcentre Plus has produced a detailed pack which provides information about these changes.
- Changes to Income Support for lone parents and Jobseeker’s Allowance for all parents – Information pack (444KB)
- Welsh – Newidiadau i Gymhorthdal Incwm ar gyfer rhieni unigol a’r Lwfans Ceisio Gwaith i bob rhiant – Pecyn gwybodaet (429KB)
Factsheets
Income Support – October 2009
- Factsheet 1 – General changes to Income Support for lone parents from October 2009 (36KB)
- Welsh – Dalen Ffeithiau 1 – Newidiadau cyffredinol i Gymhorthdal Incwm ar gyfer rhieni unigol o fis Hydref 2009 (35KB)
Income Support – October 2010
- Factsheet 1 – General changes to Income Support for lone parents from October 2010 (33KB)
- Welsh – Dalen Ffeithiau 1 – Newidiadau cyffredinol i Gymhorthdal Incwm ar gyfer rhieni unigol o fis Hydref 2010 (38KB)
Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Factsheet 2 – Jobseeker’s Allowance for lone parents (30KB)
- Welsh – Dalen Ffeithiau 2 – Lwfans Ceisio Gwaith ar gyfer rhieni unigol (33KB)
Information for customers
Information for customers is available on the Directgov website.
- Changes to Income Support for lone parents (Directgov)
