Universal Credit: Lone Parents
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of raising the Universal Credit threshold for single parents that work.
Answered by Sir Stephen Timms
Universal Credit provides additional support for working households with children, including single parents, through the work allowance. Single parents with responsibility for a child or qualifying young person may be entitled to a work allowance of up to £427 per month, where they receive support for housing costs, or up to £710 per month where they do not. Once earnings exceed the work allowance, Universal Credit is reduced by 55 pence for every additional £1 of net earnings. This gives an incentive to move into and progress in work. Working parents claiming Universal Credit may receive further support of up to 85 per cent of eligible childcare costs, helping to reduce barriers to entering and progressing in work.
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