Single parents' benefits

Child Benefit is a government funded benefit that is paid to people bringing up children. The benefit is paid for each child you have and is not affected by income or savings.

Am I eligible for Child Benefit?
If you’re raising a child and can answer yes to one of these questions you can claim Child Benefit. Do you have a child (or children) who is:

• aged under 16?
• aged under 19 and studying full-time up to A level, Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education (AVCE) or equivalent?
• aged 16 or 17 years old and has left school recently, and has registered for work or training with the Careers Service or Connexions Service (in Northern Ireland, Training and Employment Agency)?

You do not have to be the child's parent to get Child Benefit. You may get Child Benefit if you pay towards bringing up a child who does not live with you and no one else is claiming the benefit for them.

You must claim as soon as your child is born or comes to live with you. If you delay, you may lose benefit.

To get a claim pack contact your Child Benefit Office on:
Great Britain residents - Tel: 0845 302 1444/ Textphone: 0845 302 1474
Northern Ireland residents - Tel: 0845 603 2000/ Textphone: 0845 607 6078

Income Support is an income-related benefit available for people:

• aged between 16 and 59
• on a low income
• not working or working on average less than 16 hours a week

Notes for single parents
If you are a single parent, you will usually have to attend a work focused interview with a personal adviser before you will receive Income Support. After the initial interview you will not have to attend the Jobcentre Plus office for regular Jobsearch Reviews if you are a single parent. If you have at least one child or young person, you may be able to get Child Tax Credit (CTC). The HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) website can provide further details on Child Tax Credit.

To claim Income Support

• Phone your Jobcentre Plus office
• Download a form directly from the JobCentre Plus website

Staying healthy is very important both you and your children, so please apply for any help you are eligible for when it comes to looking after you health.

Milk tokens
If you are on a low income or getting income support you may be eligible for free milk tokens which you can exchange for milk.

Free vitamins
Some people on low incomes are entitled to free vitamins. For example if you are pregnant or breastfeeding a child under one and you are getting Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, or you are on child tax credit (and not entitled to Working Tax Credit) and your income is low enough. You can get free vitamins from child health and maternity clinics.

Other help with health costs
If you are on a low income or income support you may be eligible for:

• free prescriptions
• free dental treatment and check-ups
• free eyesight tests
• vouchers for glasses or contact lenses (optical vouchers)
• travel costs to hospital