Amid the worsening cost-of-living crisis, households across the UK are set to see the biggest reduction in real income in almost 50 years.
Single parents will likely be the most severely impacted by soaring bills and everyday costs.
To help single-parent households limit the impact of the crisis, financial experts at money.co.uk have compiled a list of benefits they may be entitled to.
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Senior Personal Finance Adviser at money.co.uk James Andrews said: “Single parents don’t always have access to the income or childcare support that co-parents have, so if you’re struggling financially, it's worth knowing exactly what assistance you might be entitled to.”
As reported by the Daily Record, benefits are often stigmatised but those who need support are urged to apply.
Andrews explained that Universal Credit is a crucial method of support, stating: “In the past you may have been able to claim Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, the UK Government has now consolidated all benefits under Universal Credit.”
The benefit allows claimants who are out of work or on a low income to receive a monthly sum from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help with the costs of essentials such as food, rent, and bills.
He continued: “You can also claim an additional allowance if you have children. Most people can receive support for their first two children, although there are some circumstances where you can claim for three or more. It’s worth checking your eligibility on the GOV.UK website.”
If your salary is too high for you to be eligible for Universal Credit, you should apply for Child Benefit.
This consists of a weekly payment of £21.42 for your first child, and an additional £14 per week for each of your other children.
Andrews has warned: “Only one person can claim this benefit, so make sure that any other care-givers are aware if you want to apply, as you cannot both make a claim.”
He continued: “It goes without saying that losing your partner is an incredibly difficult event to deal with. So, if your husband, wife or civil partner has passed away and you’re struggling financially, you may be eligible for a bereavement support payment.
“Your loss must have taken place in the past 21 months, however in special circumstances, you may still be able to receive this benefit after that. It’s worth checking the GOV.UK website here to see if you can apply.
“If you already claim child benefit you will receive the higher rate of pay: this consists of one payment of £3,500, and 18 monthly payments of £350. If you do not claim Child Benefit then you will receive the lower rate, which is one £2,500 payment and 18 monthly payments of £100.”
A further major financial challenge facing many single parents is childcare payments, but both the UK and Scottish Governments have schemes in place to help.
Andrews said: “For anyone who has children aged 3 or 4-years old you’re entitled to 15 hours free childcare, regardless of your employment status. If you’re currently employed, this increases to 30 free hours a week.
“You can also apply for 15 hours free childcare if you have a two-year-old, however, you will only be eligible if you’re already receiving another government benefit like Universal Credit. You can check your eligibility for all free childcare on the government website here.
“Another way you can get childcare support is by setting up a tax-free childcare account via the government website here. You can use this account to pay for your childcare, provided you are earning less than £100,000, and are not receiving Universal Credit or tax credits.
“By using this account, you can pay 80% of your childcare costs, per eligible child, into the account, and the government will pay the other 20%. The scheme is capped at £10,000, meaning you could get a max of £2,000 towards your childcare each year.”
Andrews also recommended that anybody expecting a child should make use of the free money.co.uk calculator to find out how much parental leave they are entitled to.
Scottish families on a low income with children under six may also be eligible to receive £20 each week per child from April through the Scottish Child Payment.
Since it was launched, approximately 106,000 children and their families have benefitted from receiving £520 per year, and according to DWP research, the payment will extend to include all eligible children under the age of 16.
Who should apply for the Scottish Child Payment?
You may be able to get Scottish Child Payment if all of the following apply:
- you live in Scotland
- you or your partner are getting certain benefits or payments
- you or your partner are the main person looking after a child who's under 6 years old
The main person looking after your child (if any) might want to complete the application form, or use their bank details for payment.
Benefits or payment you or your partner must get to qualify
You can apply whether you're in work or not, as long as you're getting one or more of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Social Security Scotland guidance states: “If you're not getting any of these benefits or payments, but have applied for one, you can still apply for Scottish Child Payment.
"You might get one of these benefits or payments, but have a sanction or deduction on your claim. This is when you get a cut in your benefits because you did not meet certain conditions or pay money you owe - you can still apply, as this will not affect Social Security Scotland’s decision on your application."
How to claim
You can apply for the Scottish Child Payment by visiting the MyGov website here or calling 0800 182 2222.
