Money for parents on a low income

What it’s worth

It depends on your age, what you’re earning at the moment, and what savings you have. You will get a lower rate if you’re under 25 or if you have savings from £6,000 to £16,000.

If you claim Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance as a couple, the benefit is to be shared between you and your partner. Their age and savings will be taken into account too when deciding how much you get. Don’t forget that any financial help for your children will come separately, in the form of Child Benefit or Child Tax Credit.

How to claim

1. Call the Jobcentre Plus free on 0800 055 6688. The call will last approximately 30-45 minutes while you discuss your personal circumstances. You will need to have the following to hand: your employment history for the last 26 weeks, details of any savings you have and/or benefits you receive, your rent or mortgage details, and, if you have children, the Child Benefit reference number, details of any Child Tax Credit received and whether a childcare provider is used. You will then be sent the completed form to check, sign and return.
2. You will also be sent an appointment date to visit your local Jobcentre Plus to get your claim up and running. During this Work Focused Interview you’ll be able to talk about the work you’d like to find, how you plan to go about looking for it and whether you’d like any further training. You’ll be asked to sign a Jobseeker’s Agreement confirming this.
3. Once your claim is in place you’ll need to return to your Jobcentre Plus every fortnight to sign on, and to show how you’re keeping to your Jobseeker’s Agreement.
4. You’ll be paid every two weeks directly into your bank, building society or Post Office® account.