UK Single Parent Benefits

When couples start thinking about having children, one of the topics they talk a lot about is if they are financially ready to take care of a child. The same topic comes up when single parents have difficulties making ends meet. Fortunately, there are tons of benefits and support you can apply for. Many people don’t even are aware of some of these benefits.

Here’s a list and explanation of every financial support you can apply for.

Income Support UK Single Parent Benefits

Income Support is for those single parents that are pregnant or looking after a child under 5, work less than 16 hours a week, have less than £16,000 in savings and living a low income or no income.

Universal Credit UK Single Parent Benefits

Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. It’s paid monthly or even twice a month for some people. It’s also replacing six benefits, including Income Support, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit, among others.

Note: There’s a two-child limit on Universal Credit and the amount you get will reduce if your income from employment increases.

Council Tax and Housing UK Single Parent Benefits

Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit are for those who are on a low income, whether you’re working or receiving other benefits. Or for those that had their income reduced due to ill health or disability.

Note: The housing benefit may be reduced too if you have a spare bedroom in your home.

Help to Pay Mortgage Interest UK Single Parent Benefits

You can get help to pay mortgage interest if you are already receiving Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance or Jobseeker’s Allowance. This extra benefit will add an amount to you to help pay the interest of your mortgage. This can include help towards ground rent, some service charges and interest on loans for essential home improvements.

Note: You must have been claiming one of these benefits for at least 13 weeks before you can apply for help to pay mortgage interest.

Working Tax Credit UK Single Parent Benefits

Working Tax Credit is for those who work at least 16 hours a week but on a low income.

Note: If you claimed Working Tax Credit before being absent from work due to ill health or disability, you can continue to claim it for up to 28 weeks. You may also qualify for an extra amount of money called a disability element when you return to work. If you did not qualify for Working Tax Credit before, you may qualify if your income drops when you are on sick leave. To qualify, you must have worked at least 16 hours a week before your sick leave.

Statutory Sick Pay UK Single Parent Benefits

Statutory Sick Pay is paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks for a period of sickness lasting four days or more. Some employers may also pay you occupational sick pay on top of this as part of your contract of employment.

Note: You must provide a medical certificate to your employer to get Statutory Sick Pay.

 If you claim Income Support, you may also be able to claim the following benefits.

Note: Some of these benefits are also available to single parents who are not on income support.

Child benefit UK Single Parent Benefits

Child Benefit is for every parent with responsibility for a child under 16 years old, or under 20 years old if they are in full-time education or training.

Note: This benefit is usually paid every four weeks but if you are a single parent, you can ask to be paid weekly. Also, if you earn more than £50,000 you may be taxed on the benefit.

Child Tax Credit UK Single Parent Benefits

Child Tax Credit although replaced by Universal Credit might still be available for some people. This benefit is to reduce your federal income tax bill per child.

Note: The actual amount you receive depends on how many children you are responsible for.

Housing Benefit UK Single Parent Benefits

Housing Benefit is to help you with the cost of your rent if you’re on low income and/or benefits and have less than £16000 in savings.

Note: Housing benefit is available if you live in private rented, local authority or housing association accommodation.

Council Tax Reduction UK Single Parent Benefits

Council Tax Reduction is a benefit for those only adults in their home who has to pay council tax. You can get a 25% discount on the bill.

Note: Apply at your local council or at the same time as claiming income support. Also, local councils decide their own qualifying criteria, so you'll need to ask your local housing authority for more information: you can find their contact details online.

Discretionary Housing Payment UK Single Parent Benefits

This benefit is for those that are already receiving housing benefits or council tax benefit but need extra financial help to pay the bill. In that case, you can talk to your local council for a top-up payment for up to £812.

Note: You might not be accepted for this benefit. Also, you’ll need to pay it back so get some advice before applying, if you can.

Prescriptions and Health Costs UK Single Parent Benefits

If you get income support, you can get free prescriptions, dental treatment, sight tests, glasses, fares to the hospital, wigs and fabric supports. You can also get free help if you claim the child tax credit and your income is under a certain limit.

Cold Weather Payment UK Single Parent Benefits

If you get income support and have a child under five, or you get the disability or severe disability element of the child tax credit, you should automatically receive a cold weather payment. These are paid in periods of very cold weather as defined by the government.

Note: You get this benefit if the weather drops below 0ºC for 7 days in a row between 1 November and 31 March. You’ll be entitled to £25.

Free School Meals UK Single Parent Benefits

All children can get free school meals if they’re in reception, year 1 or 2 of a state school.

Older children can also get free meals if you get income support or child tax credit or universal credit.

School Uniforms UK Single Parent Benefits

This one benefit is up to each local council. They decide if they offer any help. If you’re interested, I advise you to contact the education department at your local council.

Free childcare for 3-4-year-olds UK Single Parent Benefits

All parents are entitled to 15 hours a week of free childcare for children aged 3-4.

You may be entitled to 30 hours a week of free childcare for your 3-4-year-old if you work, even if you're on leave or if you receive incapacity benefit, severe disablement allowance, carer's allowance or employment and support allowance