Last updated on July 20th, 2023 at 09:36 pm
Universal Credit for Single Parents in the UK
If you are a single parent in the UK, you may be wondering if you can claim Universal Credit, a new benefit that replaces a range of previous benefits for people on low incomes or out of work. In this blog post, we will answer some common questions about Universal Credit for single parents and provide some useful links and resources.
Can single parents claim Universal Credit?
Yes, single parents aged 16 to 65 can claim Universal Credit, regardless of whether they are working or not. The upper age limit will increase in line with the qualifying age for state pension1. However, there are some eligibility criteria that you need to meet, such as:
- living in the UK
- having £16,000 or less in savings and investments
- not being in full-time education (unless you meet certain exceptions)
You can use a benefits calculator to check what benefits you could get. If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you and your family might also need settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to get Universal Credit.
How do I claim Universal Credit as a Single Parent?
You’ll need to apply online for Universal Credit on the GOV.UK website. You will need to provide some information about yourself, your child(ren), your income, your housing costs and your bank account details. You will also need to verify your identity online or by phone.
After you apply, you will need to contact your local Jobcentre Plus to arrange an interview with a work coach. They will help you set up an online account and agree on a claimant commitment, which is a plan of what you will do to prepare for work or increase your earnings. Make sure to update your account regularly and report any changes in your circumstances.
You should apply as soon as possible, as it can take up to five weeks to get your first payment. You can ask for an advance payment if you need money urgently, but you will have to pay it back over 12 months.
Can single dads claim Universal Credit if their child doesn’t live with them?
If you are a single dad and your child does not live with you, but you have shared responsibility for them, you may still be able to claim Universal Credit. However, only one parent can get the extra amount for each child. You will need to agree with the other parent who will claim for each child. If you cannot agree, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will decide based on the evidence available.
If you do not have shared responsibility for your child, but you pay child maintenance to the other parent, this will not affect your Universal Credit claim. However, if you receive child maintenance from the other parent, this will be counted as unearned income and reduce your Universal Credit payment.
Do payments from my child’s dad affect my Universal Credit claim?
If you are a single mum and you receive child maintenance from your child’s dad, this will be counted as unearned income and reduce your Universal Credit payment by 63p for every £1 you receive. However, if you are working, you can earn a certain amount before your Universal Credit is affected. This is called the work allowance and it depends on whether you get help with housing costs or not.
The work allowance is:
- £293 per month if you get help with housing costs
- £515 per month if you do not get help with housing costs
For example, if you get help with housing costs and earn £400 per month from work and £200 per month from child maintenance, your Universal Credit payment will be reduced by:
- £67.38 (63% of £400 – £293)
- £126 (63% of £200)
When do I have to start looking for work if I’m claiming Universal Credit and have young children?
If you are claiming Universal Credit as a single parent, your work-related requirements will depend on the age of your youngest child. You will be placed in one of four groups:
- No work-related requirements. If your youngest child is under one year old, you do not have to do anything to prepare for work. Or look for work.
- Work-focused interview only. If your youngest child is one year old, you only have to attend regular interviews with your work coach. These will be to discuss your plans for moving into work in the future.
- Work preparation only. If your youngest child is two years old, you have to take part in work-related activities. Such as, updating your CV, doing training courses or work experience.
- All work-related requirements. If your youngest child is aged 3-13 years old, you have to look for work that fits around your childcare responsibilities. You can limit your work search and availability to 16 hours per week. If your youngest child is 13 years old or older, you have to look for work that fits around your child’s education. You can limit your work search and availability to 25 hours per week.
If you are working, you may be asked to increase your hours or earnings, depending on your circumstances. You can use the Universal Credit childcare calculator to check how much help you can get with childcare costs. if you are working.
Where can I find more information and support?
If you need more information or advice about Universal Credit or other benefits, you can contact:
- One Parent Families Scotland, a charity that provides information, advice and support for single parents in Scotland.
- Gingerbread, a charity that provides information, advice and support for single parents in England and Wales.
- Citizens Advice, a network of independent charities that offer free and confidential advice on a range of issues, including benefits, debt, housing and employment.
- Turn2us, a charity that helps people in financial hardship access benefits, grants and other support.
We hope this blog post has been helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below. Thank you for reading!