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Single Parent Benefits for Dads
Are you separating from your partner? Or a bereaved lone parent? If so, you may be entitled to single parent benefits. Here’s a quick run-down of benefits for single dads and how to make a claim…
What benefits can I get as a single parent?
Kids don’t come cheap – we all know that! The older they get, the more they need and the costs soon mount up.
Whether you share childcare with your ex-partner or you’re the sole care provider, you may be entitled to single parent benefits to help manage the costs of bringing up your children.
The single parent benefits you’re eligible for will depend on several factors, including your employment and financial circumstances, and whether or not your children live with you all or most of the time.
Universal credit for single dads
If you’re a single dad who is looking for work or on a low income, you may be able to claim Universal Credit to help you cover the costs of housing, looking after your children and childcare.
In many areas of the UK, Universal Credit has replaced several other legacy benefits including Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit and Housing Benefit. This means, if you’re making a new claim, it’ll likely be for Universal Credit, rather than the separate legacy benefits.
If you are already receiving any of the legacy benefits mentioned above and you have recently become a single dad, you will need to notify HMRC about your change of circumstances. They will review your benefit entitlement and are likely to switch you to Universal Credit, assessing you as either a single person or lone parent.
You’ll need to submit your application for Universal Credit online.
Working single parent benefits
Previously, if you worked at least 16 hours a week but were on a low income, you may have claimed Working Tax Credits. This has now changed to Universal Credit.
With Universal Credit, there are no limits on how many hours a week you can work in order to receive it. All they’ll do is gradually reduce your Universal Credit payments, as you earn more money. You won’t suddenly be left completely out of pocket. If you’re looking for flexible work around your role as a single dad, take a look at our job listings.
Some single dads may also be entitled to work allowance if they are responsible for dependent children and/or cannot work as many hours because of an illness or disability.
It’s worth remembering that benefits are not just for unemployed single parents. A single parent working full time may still be entitled to financial support, like Universal Credit. Check to see if you can make a claim.
As a single dad, you may also qualify for a single person’s discount on your Council Tax bill if there are no other adults in your household. Contact your local council to apply.
Single parent child benefit
Child benefit is paid to parents with dependent children, until the 31st August following your child’s 16th birthday or until the age of 20 if they’re in full-time education. Child benefit is tax-free unless you earn more than £50,000.
Currently, child benefit is £20.70 per week for your first child and £13.70 per week for other children.
Bear in mind that child benefit can only be paid to one parent. This should be the main carer i.e. the parent the child or children usually live with.
If you are a single dad and the main carer for your children, you will be entitled to receive child benefit. If your ex-partner is currently receiving Child Benefit, they can pass it to you voluntarily. If this isn’t possible, you will need to report a change of circumstances to the Child Benefit Office and see if it can be passed to you.
How much does a single parent get on benefits?
The amount you receive in single parent benefits will depend on your personal circumstances. You may be entitled to some benefits but not others.
Universal Credit is made up of a basic allowance, plus additional money for things like housing costs, children costs and disability costs. So if you are a single dad and the main carer for your children, it’s likely you will receive additional Universal Credit. If you are also on a low income and need help paying for your rent or mortgage, you are likely to qualify for the housing element too.
The amount of Universal Credit you receive will vary depending on the income you receive from working, a pension, other benefits or savings and capital.
Help for single dads UK
Need a little help navigating single fatherhood? There are some fantastic resources out there to help single dads in the UK including Gingerbread and Support for Separated Dads.
workingdads.co.uk also has lots of useful articles for dads looking for flexible work around family commitments.
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Comments [14]
Allan ( grandad) says:
My son lives with me after separating from his partner.,his daughter says with him in my house 3/4 days a week. What can he claim for to help him get his own place, he is in full time employment and pays for child care along with child maintenance to the mother, he buys everything for his child when at my house also. Need advice please on what financial help there is to be had for him.
Thanks.
Ben Falk says:
Hi Allan, I’m sorry to hear about all this. I recommend you talk to https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/, who might be able to help with this sort of thing. Or contact http://www.turn2us.org.uk who are experts in benefits. They will be able to answer your questions much more specifically. I hope you are able to resolve it.
Sylvia Harris says:
My grandson is single dad of a 3 year old. We no idea where her mother is and he has a “living with”order with no contact by the mother from the court. My question is why does our local authority tell him he must attend a meeting with them once a week to “look for work”. He would love to work but with a 3 year old attending nursery around 12 hours a week it’s virtually impossible to find something to fit in with the odd times. I am getting very concerned about my grandson as this is really worrying him that they will stop some of his benefits, he lives on the breadline as it is. I want to reassure him that they won’t do that and also does he have to attend these ridiculous nonsensical meetings?
Ben Falk says:
Hi Sylvia, I’m sorry to hear about all this. I recommend you talk to https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/, who might be able to help with this sort of thing. Or contact http://www.turn2us.org.uk who are experts in benefits. They will be able to answer your questions much more specifically. I hope you are able to resolve it.
Scott doutre says:
Hi I’m recently seperated from my wife we have 3 kids together we’re not living together so I have to find a new house preferably 3 bedrooms as I’ve 2 boys and a girl now the question is do dad’s in my situation get help towards housing costs etc.
Ben Falk says:
Hi Scott, I’m sorry to hear about your separation. I would look at https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/, who might be able to help with this sort of thing. Or contact http://www.turn2us.org.uk who are experts in benefits.
Jon pater says:
My partner has just passed away and I have to take care of my two children I am at the moment living with my parents but there is no room what can I do
Ben Falk says:
I’m sorry for your loss, Jon. Gingerbread might be able to help: https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/
Nikki Booth says:
My son has recently become divorced and has a5 year old little girl. He is in a private rented house and is struggling with money after paying maintenance and his bills. Is he entitled to any benefits as he has his daughter regularly.
Mandy Garner says:
Hi, You could go to http://www.turn2us.org.uk, who can let you know about benefits entitlement.
Cristian Constantin says:
I am a single dad with 2 kids. The court from EU country gave me both of the kids in care and soon (July 2021) i will bring them in UK. Should i wait until they are here , registered on GP, school, council or can i apply from now (end of march) for single dad universal credit? Thanks
Mandy Garner says:
Contact http://www.turn2us.org.uk who are experts in benefits.
Valentin mereuta says:
How long it takes to get council house after you register?
James Millar says:
Gingerbread should be able to help – https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/