Lone Parent Benefits
Income Support 'Run-On' for Lone
Parents
From 4th October 1999, if a lone parent takes up work, they
will receive income support for the first two weeks after they
start work, provided that:
- they have been in receipt of income support or jobseekers
allowance (income based) for at least 6 months;
- they have been a lone parent for the last 6 months, and;
- the work is for at least 16 hours per week and is expected to
last for at least 5 weeks.
The lone parent does not need to claim the 'run-on' but should
advise the Benefits Agency or jobcentre when they find work so that
their entitlement to the run-on can be confirmed.
Remember: Lone parents who start work may also be entitled to
an extended payment of housing benefit. Housing benefit can be paid
for 4 weeks after starting work, ie. for 2 weeks after the 'run-on'
stops. However, to get an extended payment of housing benefit you
must claim for it within 1 week of starting work. For more
information about extended payments of housing benefit, contact
your local Benefits Agency.
Lone Parent Benefit (Child Benefit)
From 6 July 1998 Lone Parent Benefit ceased for any new
clients. Existing claims will continue for the moment. For further
information, contact:
Child Benefit Centre (Washington)
P.O. Box 1,
Newcastle-upon-Tyne,
NE88 1AA.
National Helpline Number 0541 555 501.
New Deal for Lone Parents
New Deal for Lone Parents is a service to help lone parents on
Income Support find work. If you decide to take part your own
Personal Adviser will help you through the whole process of getting
a job, advising on which jobs will be right for you and how much
better off you will be in work. They will also help you arrange
registered childcare. When you have found a job, your Personal
Adviser will continue to offer help and support if you wish them to
do so.
Harlow's Personal Advisor is based in:
Harlow Jobcentre,
Units 5 and 6, Mitre Buildings,
Kitson Way, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1DR.
It's probably better to phone 01279 696300 for an
appointment.
Other sources of information
- For more information on 'in work Benefit' for Lone Parents,
contact the National Helpline on (FREEEPHONE) 0800 884 411
- Gingerbread advice line: 0171 336 8184 (offers a confidential
advisory service to lone parents)
- The National Council for One Parent Families on 0171 428 5400
(can give help and advice on family-friendly policies)
-
Employment Service Website for more information on New
Deal