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About the changes

On 24 November 2023 changes were introduced to Income Support for some lone parents. Once your youngest child reaches a certain age, your entitlement to Income Support may stop if you’re only claiming it because you’re 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. Jobcentre Plus will support you with this.

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 Jobcentre Plus adviser.

• Contact Jobcentre Plus

Changes which have already happened

Changes which have been phased in over three years:

• from 24 November 2008, if your youngest child was aged 12 or over, or would have been 12 that year, your Income Support may have stopped during that year
• from 26 October 2009, if your youngest child was aged 10 or over, or would have been 10 that year, your Income Support may have stopped during that year
• from 25 October 2010, if your youngest child was aged seven or over, or would have been seven that year, your Income Support may have stopped during that year

Changes expected to happen in 2012

From May 2012, if your youngest child is aged five or over, or will become five that year, your Income Support may stop during that year.

What happens when your Income Support stops

Jobcentre Plus will contact you before your Income Support is due to stop to tell you when your last payment is due. Jobcentre Plus will also invite you to an interview with an adviser, who 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 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.

From 21 May 2023 this will be extended to most lone parents with a youngest child of five or over.

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.

• Jobseeker's Allowance

• Employment and Support Allowance

• Contact Jobcentre Plus

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 Jobcentre Plus adviser can help you to complete the right form.

• Tax credits

Information leaflet from Jobcentre Plus

Jobcentre Plus have produced a factsheet that gives you information about Jobseeker's Allowance and flexibilities for lone parents.

• Download 'Jobseeker's Allowance and flexibilities for lone parents' (PDF, 84K) Opens new window

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