Thought this might be of concern to some on this forum.
edyourself.org/articles/jobseekers.php#endISchild5
Last Minute Proposals to Retain Income Support for Lone Parents Youngest Child 7
Lone parents' entitlement to Income Support is to cease once their youngest child reaches age 5, instead of the current age of 7. The DWP page currently says "early 2012"
This measure will be introduced via Clause 57 of the Welfare Reform Bill.
Lord McKenzie and Baroness Hayter have just tabled an amendment which proposes that Clause 57 be dropped from the Bill. The Welfare Reform Bill is to be debated on Tuesday 8th and Thursday 10th November but Committee sittings may be extended beyond this date. For information on how to flag up this amendment to members of the House of Lords, click here
Single parent organisations are lobbying Government for JSA changes to be postponed until the full roll-out of Universal Credit in 2013.
Lone parents are eligible for Jobseeker's Allowance if they are seeking work of 16 or more hours a week. The JSA regime has been modified to take account of the caring responsibilities of all parents who have children living in their household.
www.onespace.org.uk/benefits/all-you-need-know-about-job-seekers-allowance
Regulations requiring lone parents on Income Support to attend more frequent Work Focused Interviews come into force on October 31st 2011.