From 26 October 2009, lone parents whose youngest child is more than 10 years of age when they claim benefits, will no longer receive Income Support. In its place will be Jobseeker?s Allowance alongside training opportunities, job application advice and other benefits and grants to help them return to work.
Lone parents with children under ten will be able to access this same support, should they wish, but it is not mandatory.
With three in five lone parents already working by time their child reaches 10 years old ? a figure that has been rising steadily over the past decade ? the system will now better reflect and respond to parents? choice to support themselves.
Jane Bull, lone parent adviser at Jobcentre Plus says: ?At first, getting a job can feel daunting for many of the single mums and dads I see. Having devoted time to caring for young children, many worry about gaps on their CV or about who would look after the kids if they?re at work. Together we address their concerns and make sure that support continues even when they get a job.?
Help to make a fresh start
The thought of applying for a job after a long break from work can be a daunting prospectfor anyone who has been out of work for a few years.? However, if you are a lone parent, there are trained advisers at Jobcentre Plus who can help with writing a CV, interview practice and finding training opportunities, for free.
They can also arrange a work trial of up to 30 days you to see if the job you have started will work for you and your children.? While you are on the trial, you will still get your benefits, so it?s a risk-free way of testing the water. The jobs on trial can even lead to a permanent position.
There are still lots of vacancies in careers that traditionally offer flexible working hours – like education, care and health – so you can choose to still be around when your child finishes school.? And Jobcentre Plus aims, where possible, to guarantee a job interview to every lone parent looking for and ready for work.
Afterschool clubs and childminding
Whilst older children are likely to be at school for most of the day, finding someone to look after them if work or training extends outside the school day or into the holidays can be a concern.
Jobcentre Plus can tell people what help is available locally and recommend childcare that is approved by Ofsted.? Options range from school breakfast clubs and holiday play schemes, childminders or a work or college cr?che for younger children.
Some lone parents may be put off working bceause they can’t afford childcare, particularly if their children are below school age.? However, all lone parents are able to get help with the cost.
For the few days leading up to starting a job, the cost of childcare, up to ?35 per day for one child and ?60 per day for two children will be met by Jobcentre Plus.? After that, lone parents, working more than 16 hours a week, could get child tax credits up to the value 80% of the cost of childcare for their first year in work – as much as ?175 a week for one child or ?300 for two or more children.
Money matters
Even taking into account the cost of childcare, going back to work leaves most lone parents with extra cash to treat themselves and their family.
To add to the satisfaction of earning money brought home to the children, lone parents? total income could be boosted still further by financial incentives to start work. Lone parents who were on benefits for a year or more before starting to work 16 hours or more each week, can up their earnings with ?In Work Credit? of ?40 per week (or ?60 in London) for up to a year and a one-off tax-free Job Grant of ?250 upon starting the job.? Parents whose income is less than ?58,000 get tax credit of an average of ?61.26 per week (depending on individual circumstances).
For many lone parents? return to work is just the beginning, as it could lead to a promotion with better pay, a sense of achievement, and being an inspiration for their children.
Further information
Find out about Job Seeker’s Allowance
Find out about the support that is available from Jobcentre Plus to help lone parents return to work
