3 months ago 06th Aug 12:12
Jobcentre Plus lone parent adviser, Helen Leake, advises people to make the most of the help available.
“The results of this poll are encouraging, as many of the obstacles seemingly preventing people returning to work can be easily overcome,” she said. “For example, if you have children and are looking for flexible working arrangements, Jobcentre Plus can help you explore part-time options, job-sharing, and even term-time working, when you are off work during the school holidays.”
If you’re looking for advice on the kind of financial help lone parents could be eligible for if they return to work, Helen Leake has some top tips:
· In Work Credit: This is a tax-free payment of £40 to lone parents (£60 to all parents in London) who have been claiming benefits for a year or more and go back to work for over 16 hours a week. In-work credit is paid for a year on top of other working benefits
1 £250 Job Grant: This is a lump-sum to help during the first weeks of employment. It is available to lone parents who start working for more than 16 hours per week
2 Housing and Council Tax benefit: Lone parents will continue to receive Housing and Council Tax benefits for a month after they start work
3 Childcare costs: One of the biggest worries for lone parents returning to work is childcare. Jobcentre Plus can help with childcare costs as long as the parent is using a registered childcare provider and doing something connected with their chosen career, agreed with Jobcentre Plus. Once working, you may qualify for Working Tax Credit. This could enable you to claim up to 80 per cent of your eligible childcare back.
Jobcentre Plus has put together a free Choices Kit for lone parents thinking about work. It’s packed with advice on job-hunting, childcare and financial help. Order yours by calling 0800 085 5701 or visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk .
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