Help for Single Parents
Help for Single Parents As a single parent, you may be eligible to receive help in a number of ways. This can be through benefit payments, help with bills, funding for childcare and back to work schemes. Below we’ve put together a number of different ways you can find out about the help you may be entitled to. Website NetMums has put together an extensive article on the available benefits, more specifically for single parents. Find out more by visiting: https://www.netmums.com/life/single-parent-benefits Benefits You May Be Entitled To Universal Credit: If you’re a single parent, the DWP might suggest signing up for Universal Credit, which combines various benefits into one payment. Income Support: This is the older way of getting financial help. It’s meant to add to your income if you’re not making enough to support your family. Child Benefit and Tax Credit: If you have a child under 16 or in full-time training and under 20, you can get child benefits. If you’re eligible for income support, you can also qualify for tax credits. Council Tax Subsidy: Check with your local council to find out if you can get a discount on your council tax. Note: In the coming months and years, some of these benefits may be merged into one benefit, Universal Credit. As soon as that has happened, we’ll update this article. Retraining or Changing Careers Balancing work and childcare becomes easier when you explore flexible jobs with good earning potential. Consider roles like copywriting, customer service, blogging, graphic design, administration, life coaching, SEO specialist, and website development that often allow remote or freelance work. For those seeking higher pay per hour, investing in online training courses can be a cost-effective way. These courses, which you can complete at home, come with a modest upfront cost and provide professional certification, fitting well between childcare responsibilities. Another option is pursuing an apprenticeship, revamped by the government to offer a master’s degree in as little as 18 months. With no training costs and the ability to earn while you learn, part-time options make it possible to balance time with your children. Retraining or upskilling, even through freelance work that values formal credentials, may enhance your earning potential. While not all single parent jobs demand additional training, it could be a valuable option if you’re facing challenges in your current field. Finding the Time Choosing the right work hours for your family depends on your situation. If you’ve recently returned from maternity leave, consider your physical and mental health too. For working parents, finding a balance with childcare is key. This might mean opting for part-time or flexible hours, and it’s helpful if your job provides childcare assistance to cut down on costs. If your child is in school, working during school hours can be a great way to manage your time, allowing you to earn a living without sacrificing time with your children. While not always possible, aiming for a job aligned with school hours often works well. Additionally, many schools offer after-school clubs, providing a reliable care option for your child if you need to stay at work longer. Help & Advice There are many local and national groups in the UK that aim to help and guide single parents. Sometimes, having someone explain your options clearly can make things feel more doable and less overwhelming. Here are some great organizations you can contact for support or advice: Gingerbread: Offers information to single parents to help them support their family and advocates for the voices of single parents in parliament. Dad Info: A community forum specifically for dads, providing tailored information and guidance. Single Parents: A diverse organization aiming to build a community of one-parent families and drive significant social change in the UK. Only Dads: Provides advice and support tailored for single dads. Only Mums: Offers advice and support tailored for single mums. Care for the Family: A general family support organization that can assist you with a range of family-related issues. Changing Career as a Single Parent When thinking about switching careers, it’s crucial to ensure that the working hours align with your childcare needs. For those considering a career change, it’s important to research potential options thoroughly. If possible, check reviews from current employees in your chosen field to understand the work-life balance. This helps you avoid a potentially negative career choice and find the best fit for your needs. Networking is also crucial when changing careers. Even as a single parent, reaching out to someone online about their career can be a vital part of networking. Being active on sites like LinkedIn shows your passion for the industry and makes you look connected to potential employers. It might sound simple, but asking everyone you know if they’re familiar with someone in your desired field is a great way to network. Your family or friends might have professional connections and can point you in the right direction. Help with Training Costs Not all learning and training requires payment. The National Careers Service skills toolkit offers many free courses covering practical maths, coding, and personal wellbeing. If you’re working, your employer might agree to cover some or all of the costs if you can explain how the learning will benefit them. If you have to pay for things yourself, there’s a chance to get financial support. If you’re 19 or older, attending a further education course, and have a low income, you could receive Learner Support to help with costs like travel, course materials, equipment, and childcare. Apply for this through your training organization or school, so always check if you’re eligible before starting. If you’re under 20, you can apply for Care to Learn to assist with childcare costs while you’re studying. We have a number of articles which highlight some of the free courses available from the likes of Google, Open University and Barclays to name just a few. Find out more at: https://www.oswestryjobvacancies.co.uk/courses/ Childcare For many single parents, a significant challenge is securing reliable