If you're a lone parent, you might have heard about the changes coming in for returning to work. If you've got older children, soon you'll be able to get extra support to help you get back into work. You won't be able to claim Income Support solely on the grounds of being a lone parent, and you'll move onto Jobseeker's Allowance.
You can prepare for this change by reading our information and advice on how to move into work, and make the right choices for you and your family.
What's the new returning to work legislation about?
From October 2008, you'll have to move from Income Support onto Jobseeker's Allowance when your youngest child turns 12, instead of age 16, as it is now. From October 2009 this will be lowered to age ten, and from October 2010 it will be age seven. These changes won't affect you if you're claiming Income Support for another reason, such as having caring responsibilities, ill health or a disability.
Going back into work after time off can seem like a big step to take, so there's lots of support to help you, including:
- a 'skills check' from your local Jobcentre Plus two years before your claim to Income Support ends – to give you a head start thinking about the skills employers want
- help with quality and affordable childcare
- suitable and flexible jobs and services which will help you find, remain and get on in work
- In Work Credit – £40 a week (£60 in London) for lone parents leaving benefits for work of 16 hours or more
- new support for lone parents to find work, including group sessions and closer working with employers.
You can read more about the help you can get with returning to work on the Department for Work and Pensions website.
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