Income support for lone parents

Legacy_user

Hi, I have a son who is 15 months old. I'm a lone parent and a part time student. I receive income support and every six months I have to attend an interview at a Job centre to disscuss if I'm ready for work and other things. My next interview is in Jan and I know I'll be asked if I'm ready for work and if I'm not what is the reason.
The thing is I plan to start working from next autumn as I don't want yet to take my child to nursery. I'm enjoying spending time with him and I don't believe he is ready to leave me yet. Other mums I spoke adviced me not to start nursery untill at least he is 2 or 3.
So just because I don't want to give away my child as yet will I be able to receive income support? Or they will tell me to go look for job anyway?

Jowo_2

As far as I'm aware there's no obligation for a single parent to commence employment until their youngest child reaches the age of 7 and the emergency budget in June proposed lowering this to when the youngest child attends school. Therefore you won't transfer from Income Support to Job Seekers allowance for a few years yet.

However, the policy of regular reviews is sound as it will help prepare you in advance for the job market.

Oldernotwiser

Your interview is to help you ensure that you are readying yourself to return to the workplace when your child is older, not to pressurise you into doing so immediately.

Kimitatsu

melynaake - that is correct you will not be forced to go back to work nor will any sanctions be placed on your benefit or moved to JSA until your child is 7, even if it comes down I think it will only be of school age (rising 5)

What the interview will do is look at other areas you may want to do further qualifications in or further help that you may need to prepare you for the workplace.

Now since the question has been answered I am closing this thread before it descends into a slanging match. No one should judge anyone else, melynaake is entitled to the benefits she is on, just as others are entitled to go back to work without being told they are bad parents or wrong on these boards.