Confessions of a Single Mum

Income Support – these are just the bare facts as it can be complicated, there is  a lot more information is available at the sites recommended.

• You may be able to get Income Support if you are aged 16 to 59 and any of the following apply:
• You are a lone parent ( from 26 October 2009 with a child under 10, from 25 October 2010 with a child under 7 living with them)
• You are registered as sick or disabled
• You are caring for someone who is sick or elderly
• You are pregnant and your baby is due in the next 11 weeks or you have given birth in the last 15 weeks.

You also:

• Don’t have savings of more that £16,000
• You’re not working or working less than 16 hours a week.
• There are further restrictions if you have a partner – please check these out with the Jobcentre.

How much you receive depends on your circumstances like your living arrangements, how many children you have and how much in savings you have. Just as a guide the personal allowances from 6 April 2009 for lone parents are £50.95 for under 18, £64.30 for lone parents aged 18 and over. As each person’s situation is different this is only a guide.

Its paid fortnightly into your bank, building society, post office or national savings account that accepts direct payment. They will arrange a cheque  that is cashable at a Post Office if you are unable to open or manage an account.

You can claim Income Support online.

If you are on Income Support you automatically qualify for the :

• Free dental care
• Free prescriptions
• Free school meals ( you have to apply by filling in a form)
• Housing Benefit/Council tax benefit

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