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Mamoftwostars
I am sorry about your treatment at the jobcentre. Here is the link to our guidance on the flexibilities http://www.onespace.org.uk/benefits/new-guidance-help-single-parents-job... If you do not have printing facilities then I can send one out in the post (email L.dewar@spanuk.org.uk) please only give your details to my email and do not share on the site.
As you have two children under 13 you are entitled to ask to work school hours and if there is no suitable childcare in the holidays then this can be a reason not to take up a job. Your Jobseekers Agreement should reflect the restrictions on the hours that you can work. I am also sorry that you were told by the jobcentre to leave your older child home alone. This is an issue that the Single Parent Action Network the charity that runs One Space have continued to campaign about. It is parents who should decide when to leave children. Here is the link the article which you might want to share with your adviser http://www.cypnow.co.uk/cyp/news/1044596/single-parents-advice-leaving-c...
Yes, it is sad that single parents and their children are stigmatised. At our charity we do all we can to challenge that stigma and make sure that single parents know their rights. In terms of other protections all public bodies have something called a public sector equality duty and should make sure that their services provide equality of opportunity between men and women. As most single parents are women (9:10 are women) they are considered a significant group services should be designed for their needs. Perhaps another issue to highlight at the jobcentre. Ask to see their equality action plan and how they are addressing the needs of single parents.
In terms of single parents staying at home to look after their children I am afraid that both the last and current Government's have decided that this is nolonger an option once your children reach 5 and that this is written into welfare legislation. We are doing all we can to make sure that as job seekers who are single parents are also given time to care for their children and that job preparation and jobseekers agreements reflect their need to care.
All the very best to you.
Laura
mamoftwostars
I totally agree with you. In such a short time the view of the work that mothers do has changed radically. We are doing the most important work bringing up the next generation and it should be reconised, appreciated and supported. These changes could only be brought in by demonising single mothers and over the last few years the media has used extreme examples of dysfuntional families to do this. This also makes any sort of protest difficult as I for one would not be prepared to protest publically for fear of putting my family in the spotlight. We have to hope that those unaffected can protest for us.
I also feel quite cynical about the idea that these harsh new rules are being implemented because those that do so havn't realised that children will suffer as a result. It is obvious that children will suffer and the rules have been brought in knowing this.
Like you I also believe this is an equality issue. Most single parents are mothers (although we're not supposed to say this anymore) and an even bigger magority of single parents who rely on benefits are mothers. Femanism to me is failing as it's aim was to recognise womens "work" as equal to the work that men do (or in todays language waged work). Not only has the work of mothers failed to be recognised as equal it is no longer even recognised as work. It is now seen as a sort of lifestyle choice or hobby. Something that just gets in the way of "real" work...
We all have to be strong. Remember whatever anyone says you are doing important, essential and valuable work. If anyone tries to tell you anything different just look at your two children and you will see the proof.
Well said, Pam!
Thankyou for the links Laura. I just hope that staff at the Jobcentre manage to take a look at the correct information at some point!
Thankyou for your excellent post Pam; it's always good to know you're not the only one with an opinion (the Daily Mail etc. would have us believe that everyone thinks us lone parents are vile scrounging parasistes living a life of luxury - I wish!)
We are all doing the most important job in the world! What could be more important than raising the next generation? My step-mam (who is 68 and quite "old school" in a lot of ways) is of the view that the state should support mothers (or fathers) to stay at home and raise the family; children need the stability of a loving parent who is there when they need them.
I personally would love to go to work; I do get a bit bored at times when the kids are at school and it would be great to do something "just for me"; however (and not knocking cleaners or anyone here), the kind of menial work available at part-time hours would dull my senses to a crazy degree! I am actually about to start the process of becoming a foster carer; for many reasons - mainly philanthropic (I would love to give a child the attention and affection they deserve), but also because it is well paid (albeit challenging) work which enables me to be a constant presence in my own children's lives.
I get the feeling from the statistics that the government themselves have released (i.e. they only expect 10-20% of lone parents to move into work from this draconian measure) that this may be either a PR exercise (appeals to the stereotypical Daily Mail reader who votes Tory), or just a way of discouraging lone parents from "breeding" even more (I mean, how dare we...). If it is the latter then I think it may backfire; I would expect a baby boom now as women get pregnant again just to avoid going on to JSA (I can't say it hasn't crossed my mind... would need a willing bloke though lol).
I also know what you mean about protesting; with this threat of sanctions hanging over our heads it is difficult to say anything. I do however feel that we are doing our own little protest by writing on forums such as this; or at the very least raising awareness of this issue.
Children will suffer, no doubt about it; but my "leftie" sentiments lead me to the unfortunate conclusion that these children will be, in the main, poor children, and in all honesty, why would the Tories care about that? (or "New" Labour for that matter!) I was just saying to my dad today (a bona-fide "leftie") that the poo will only really hit the fan when less classically demonised groups than lone parents/the disabled are effected by these welfare changes, e.g. when stay at home mothers in relationships/marriages are pressurised into finding work when the Universal Credit comes in. Or, and it pains me to say this, when the inevitable suicides of people pushed to the brink begin to be publicised on a grander scale.
I am also of the opinion that this is an equality issue; both because of the fact that the majority of lone parents are women, and also because mothers from wealthier families (who may have had a better education and therefore more desirable employment skills and prospects) are not being pushed into work to "help the economy". It is, I'm afraid, an attack on the most vulnerable in society to distract everyone else from the reality that it was the rich who got us into this mess but the poor who will suffer.
I am so proud of my children; they are fantastic, totally nuts! Fun, outgoing and, most importantly, loved beyond all measure. Ladies (and men), we are doing a great job. If I do hopefully qualify as a foster carer, I will receive approximately 250 pounds per week per child, plus keep all of my state benefits. Weird how you are sainted for looking after other people's children, but slandered for looking after your own...
Lou xxx
Personally, I don't see this as an equality issue when it comes to those who are wealthy. This is only directed at those who need benefits. Great if you don't and you can have that choice to stay at home.
If you are put on the spot and have to work, then if cleaning is the only job out there, you would take it, menial or not. Under this pressure you're not always able to make that choice, and if it fits in with school hours it can be ideal.
I think that benefits should have remained until the youngest child was 16, my lot don't need me any less because they're older. But, thanks to the media lone-parents have been put into this situation. Perhaps things will change again when you have young people wandering the streets causing problems and the media will see the fall out from their campaigns.
Good luck with becoming a foster parent. 
If I had the room it would be something I would consider, and not because of the financial benefits. My parents fostered, and even though my two foster sisters (both in their 50s) have grown up having the same issues as their blood mother's, they were raised safe and securely.
The media have a lot to answer for. And don't get me started on Ian Duncan Smith...
Some great posts here....how fab One Spacers are!
I especially like the point you make, mamoftwo stars, about how you become sainted when you look after other peoples' children!!
Mamoftwostars
Keep posting and let me know how you get on at the Jobcentre including about the flexbilities that should be open to you. If you want I can post out a hard copy of the guidance (but do not give out your email details on One Space, email me directly).
All the best to you and your kids.
Laura L.dewar@spanuk.org.uk
Hi 1st time iv posted on forum hopefully i can get some advice and not be condemmed.i am a single mum to a 8 yr old who is doing well at school and he loves his life I would never burst his bubble but Im on a work program and under the threat of a sanction where im to lose all jsa for a set number of weeks (i am to be notified by post) as ive sent a reply stating why i think its unfair. I feel so useless and overwhelmed by the whole situation and my confidence packed its bag and upped and left.
The sanction is over a missed thursday 9am appointment
My next appointment is 3 pm on a monday
My advisor is well aware that my son is at sChool for 8.50 am it takes 25 minutes to get to WP i collect my son at 3.15 pm yet im expected to attend at 3pm for 30 mins.so i`ll be taking him out of school at 2.30pm i want to help him do well at school, attendence is a high priority of mine i never had that consistancy when i was his age.
Apart from the school issue at the time I was on a 2 week EMPLOYABILITY course which i was sent on by work provider i2i all appointments eg. signing on . dentist, drs ,work provider interviews were to be arranged by employability course and myself for both our convienences.my landlord needed to get a building firm in to do repairs on my rented accomodation it was agreed that as it was nearing the end of the course all work was completed by the wednesday but the end date wasn`t till the friday thursday would not be a problem as there was nothing i could sign or complete on that day surely as i was still on the course and other people who was with the same work provider had there appointments put on hold till the course was completed i was still taking part in thework program and entitled to claim jsa
Hello tracey 40 how ridiculous that you are facing this.
You said that there is a letter on its way to you about a sanction, have you already been advised about how you can appeal? as you have a right to do so. I know you have a sent a letter but I am talking about a set procedure, which they are supposed to tell you about. In addition it looks to me as if the maximum they sanction you for is 2 weeks....bad enough!
Please email our Money and Benefits Expert (click) for specific advice on what to do next
Tracey 40
Thank you for your post. I work for the charity that runs One Space and my role is about tellling politicians about the experience of single parents particularly about welfare reform.
I was saddened by your post and frustrated because your experience is not unique. Single parents are being increasingly threatened with sanctions on JSA including when on the the Work Programme. Appointments should be scheduled around your caring responsibilities for your son (this should be written into your jobseeking agreement). Children's well-being is written into the welfare legislation and there are flexibilities that should mean that your job preparation and job search are different because you also have responsibility for your child.
By coincidence I am in Parliament on Wednesday to talk about single parents and the Work Programme. I have interviewed single parents about their experiences and I have been invited to speak to MP's about this work. I will also refer to some of the evidence from One Space (although of course not sharing people's personal details). Your example is one that illustrates the importance of changing how things are done. Single parents must be able to care for their children and must not be punished for doing so.
Please let me know how you get on with your appeal against the sanction. In the meantime our charity has produced guidance on the Lone Parent Flexibilities which you can see online. If you do not have access to a printer I would be happy to send you a hard copy. Please email me if you would like this L.dewar@spanuk.org.uk
Please email directly but do not share your email or address details on the One Space site.
All the very best to you and your son.
Laura
MODERATOR, you can see the report by clicking here
All ready for this afternoon appointment with work provider arranged with the school to take my son out early im not at all surprised work provider has cancellled again 5 hours before im due but im the one with the threat of a sanction still hanging over me like a big black cloud
Tracey 40
How completely frustrating. Do let me know how you get on with your appeal against the sanction. Are the Work Programme going to schedule your future appointments at unsuitable times (when you need to be there to drop off or pick up your son)? Is there someone you can complain to about this at the Work Programme or when you next sign on at JCP?
Laura
Im going to be signing at jcp wednesday as far as i know i`ll be sent another appointment in the post which frustrates me as i have no say in the times given and if its inconvienent im still awaiting letter regarding sanctions thank you for taking the time to reply it helps that there is people who are prepared to speak out for those who`otherwise would be ignored or the words mandatory and sanction are barked at them
Tracey 40
Thank you for posting. As you say it is not right to be given an appointment without taking account of your need to also take care of your son. Do let me know when a new appointment is offered. When you are at JCP for your next signing you may want to ask to make a complaint. Your Jobseekers Agreement should specify your restrictions on your work preparation and job search (as a single parent with a child under 13 you are able to ask to work school hours to take account of your caring responsibilities). The Work Programme should abide by the restrictions on your Jobseekers Agreement. When people sign on at the Jobcentre they usually see an assistant adviser. If there is little interest from the assistant adviser (they are usually rushed) ask to have an appointment with an adviser to discuss your Agreement and if you wish to make a complaint (making sure it will be at a time that is possible for you). Hope this helps and do let me know how it goes. If your jobcentre have a Lone Parent Adviser ask specifially to be referred to them.
Your posts have made me even more determined about the issue of children's well-being and giving a voice to single parents concerns on Wednesday.
All the best
Laura
Hi "SPAN Parliament",
I was one of the members that you spoke to about the work programme. Looking forward to hearing how you got on and thank you for speaking up for single parents.
Best wishes
Pam
I spoke at a Parliamentary Committee yesterday about the interviews. There were MP's from all the major parties and it is chaired by Ann Begg MP. She was on the BBC Panorama program earlier this week about the work programme (good program if you can catch it). Although daunting (I managed to spill a glass of water over one of the other speakers) it was a great opportunity to talk about the interviews and make suggestions for how things can be improved for single parents (and their children). The Committee get the views of different people including the Minister Mark Hoban MP and Work Programme providers and then they write a report and make suggestions for change to the Government. The report should be done by April. If you like I can email you a copy of the written report I did for the Committee (I could do on Monday please contact me on my email but do not give your personal details on One Space). I am also doing a longer report which I will publish in March.
Hope things are going well for you. All the best. L.dewar@spanuk.org.uk
Laura
Tracey 40
Hope things are going ok for you. I specifically mentioned your eg of appointment times when I met the Committee yesterday. The MP's looked shocked. Of course did not disclose personal details. Do let me know how you get on with your appeal. If you have continued difficulties I could speak to senior managers at the DWP. I will in any case be raising the issue of appointment times with both the Minister for single parents (his name is Mark Hoban) and with the people reponsible for single parent policy at the DWP.
All the best to you.
Laura
Well done Laura, you are doing a sterling job 
I was awake during the night and watched the Panorama programme. Quite shocking in parts, really.
It is good to know you're there Laura
Hi laura
I`am still waiting on sanction letter been a few weeks now, WP have arranged new interview by post, 25th Feb 3.00pm again, another Mc D`S tea
thanks laura
Hi Tracey40, let's hope not getting the letter is good news. So your new appointment is 3.00, does that clash with the school run again?
Tracey 40,
How frustrating. Is there anyone you can raise appointment times with at Jobcentre Plus or the Work Programme? If not, when you go for your appointment ask them whether they think it is reasonable to set times that clash with dropping or picking up your son from school. The welfare legislation contains a protection for the well-being of children in setting job plans (and Jobcentre Plus have always seen this as also translating into suitable appointment times). Maybe refer the WP to section 31 of the Welfare Reform Act 2009! The WP have to comply with the provisions of the welfare laws.
All the best and let me know when you hear about the sanction. As I mentioned before I am happy to take up with senior managers at the DWP.
Laura
Hi ladies,
Well been signing on since since the beginning of December, looking for work every day (massive amount of things on my Jobseekers "Agreement" to fulfil, a lot of it inappropriate!) Was looking into fostering but unfortunately got a few health problems at the minute, plus my daughter is undergoing physiotherapy for a chronic knee problem so going to leave that for the time being.
My JSAg states that I only need to be available for work from 9.10am to 2.50p.m. Monday to Friday (this does not stop the advisers from pushing me towards other hours however... I mean, of course my 11 year old can be left ALL DAY on her own in the holidays...) Anyway, these jobs are as rare as rocking horse poo! Two in the last 3 months in my area, one I applied for (didn't get), another was for a cleaner, not my ideal role but hours were great, but needed an NVQ in cleaning (!) which I don't have. And I check EVERY DAY on Universal Job Match, indeed, reed, local council websites etc.
I have been reading around a lot on the Net about going self-employed; I have been an Avon Rep before and really enjoyed it, but with the best will in the world this wouldn't take up 16 hours a week (unless progressing on to Sales Leadership). There are however other opportunities about, e.g. copywriting for websites such as Textbroker (something I am interested in pursuing - money not great but can work any hours I want, no travel, no childcare - ideal really!). I have also got a couple of pensioner family friends who would give me a bit of work cleaning, shopping, etc.
What i am hoping someone with a bit more knowledge will be able to answer for me is whether I will have difficulties claming In Work Credit if I choose to go down this route? I know that as a self-employed sole trader I will be eligible to apply for it, as well as Working Tax Credit, so long as I am working for 16 hours+ a week. However you are called in after 12 weeks of receiving In Work Credit to check that you are still eligible for it. I can see how it would be easy to prove that you have been working for 16 hours+ as an employee (e.g. pay slips, employment contract), but not sure how I would evidence this as a self-employed person? Would it just be a case of keeping a record myself of the hours I have worked? (this seems sufficient when jobseeking, i.e. keeping a record of jobseeking steps). I don't think I will be earning National Minimum Wage at first, but I know that this is expected within the first year.
If anyone has any knowledge or advice about this I would be very greatful.
Lou xx
Or even "grateful" lol x
Hi mamaoftwostars
I am not sure of the answer to your question regarding In Work credit, however you can email our Money expert service (click) provided by Citizens Advice Bureau, who should respond within the week, so that you have a better idea of what you would be entitled to.
It is a real struggle for single parents around the country trying and wanting to get some sort of work, you are not alone, but it sounds as though you are being proactive, let us know how things go
Hello, I was told by my lone parent advisor at the job centre that I would go from income support to jsa by the time my son turns 5 and would be expected to take my son on the bus for an hour, pop him into nursery, finish work, pick him up and do the hour long journey back because I live in a small market town with literally no jobs available and I dont drive.
I have been told that if I am in education or dont apply for the jobs an hour away that they tell me to I would lose my jsa.
I have 2 years before my son turns 5 but it's a real worry, do you have any advice, is what I have been told correct? Thank you, Colie
Hi colie, I am afraid to say that Yes this is pretty much the truth of it.
Now is a good time to get trained up in something that you could then use to your advantage, whether it is childminding, hairdressing or something that would be handy locally.
Have a look here to find out more:
All you need to know about JSA (lots of information, click the Next button on the bottom of each page, there are 4 in all)
New guidance to help single parents on JSA - information about your rights
I have a level 3 in childcare, I don't have the space for childminding though. The last bus back from where I would be expected to work is at 5pm and my son has special needs and I would need an employer who could let me go if the nursery rings me etc I really don't know what to do, spending two hours a day on a bus with a child with spcial needs doesn't seem financially or emotionally possible and trying to find work that fits in with nursery/school and then the hassle of trying to get my son in a school 30 miles away as would need him to be in the same place I work as have no help with childcare etc
Hi Colie
Do you get Disabled Living Allowance for your son? Although things will be changing with this, and it could well not be of help.
If your son has middle or higher rate of the care component, you would be able to claim Carer's Allowance and then be classed as a carer. This would then mean that you would be able to continue to claim income support - again this is going to be changed to universal credit, but the circumstances could be the same, as in you being able to care for your son.
Sorry to be rabbiting on, and sorry if I've confused things.
Hi Colie, that's great that you already have some qualifications in childcare, the others have already given you some pointers, though it probably sounds problematic at the moment you have been given good notice about what will be expected from you once your son reaches 5 and hopefully you will be able to plan something that will work for you and your son.
Have you thought about doing some voluntary work? as this will keep your experience of working more recent and can work in your favour when applying for jobs later on down the line.
I have thought about voluntary work but you have to wait until a voluntary position opens up and apply for it, also although my son attends nursery which I have to pay for it's not for many hours and I have no other childcare so don't have much free time for volunteering. I hope within 2 years I will of figured something out, I'm not sure what yet but like you say I have good notice to plan something.
Hi sparklinglime, I don't claim anything for my son at the moment I'm not sure if I would be able to or not, we have lot's of appointments with senco and portage and health visitor etc so I might ask around, thank you x
Colie I think it is great that you are thinking ahead like this, as one of the biggest difficulties that people face when they have the "switch" is they have not planned anything or found out any information in advance. Another thing worth considering is whether there is a qualification you can get in the meantime, and Sally's idea of voluntary work is a great one. How about working in the childcare sector eg a nursery, that could be something that fitted in around your son's care.....anyway I do think your idea of asking the people you are in touch with is a good one
Colie,
I think it is a shame that your Lone Parent Advisor is making you feel stressed. Perhaps she might offer you support over the next two years. You might want to ask whether you have access to the Flexible Support Fund to pay towards your childcare if you want to do additional training or to volunteer. A key part of welfare laws include protecting the well-being of your child. If your son has special needs his care and your need to take responsiblility for him should be reflected in any Job Seeking Agreement (this is going to be called a Claimant Commitement from April). Although job seekers are expected to travel a reasonable distance to work this can be modified to take account of your caring responsibilities (including journey times to childcare or school). Make it clear to the jobcentre what your son's needs are and how much additional care you might need to provide for him (as he gets older a letter from his school or nursery, or senco assessment might add weight). Make sure this is reflected in any written agreement that you sign.
However, in the meantime you are perfectly entitled to take time to care and you are not on a job seeking benefit. Yes, prepare for the future but dont let that stop you from having time and enjoying your son.
All the very best to you.
Laura
hi, i'm a lone parent to two children and at the moment on income support, until my youngest is 5 in October 2013, i am studying at the moment children and young peoples work force level 2, I am also doing 3 mornings a week voluntary work in a pre school, when i last went to see my lone parent adviser, she told me that i need to start looking for work now for 16hrs a week and when i go on JSA in october i will no longer be able to continue with my course, is this true? i explained that i'm already doing voluntary work and studying and she said well two days doing 8hr shifts would cover it, i left feeling gob smacked like my whole world was crashing down, i reall want to finish my course so i can get a job that the hours suit my kids schooling... HELP
Hi melissadylan and welcome along
You won't be forced to finish your course if you have some paid work, and are therefore not on JSA, that is what the adviser is saying. So.....you have to find work that not only fits around your child's school hours but ALSO round your course hours, is that right? A tall order! How much longer has your course got to run? Here is an excerpt from our official article on JSA. It sounds to me as if you could negotiate your way around this one BUT you need to understand that you need to attend your signing on times and any work activity they set you as that would take priority over everything.
However, it is ridiculous that in theory you are "not allowed" to do the very things which are equipping you to get a job ie building up work experience and studying for a qualification! I am sure Laura, our Parliamentary Officer, will be in to comment on your post after the holidays.
EXCERPT:
I want to study/train, will this affect my ability to claim Job Seeker’s Allowance?
Once you are claiming JSA you are not able to enrol on a full-time course, although you might be able to claim JSA during the summer holidays between terms if you are able to look for work.
If you enrol on a full-time course before you are transferred to JSA, then you will be able to continue claiming Income Support until the course finishes.
You may be able to claim JSA if you are a part-time student. If you are studying outside the times you stated as being available to work, and you think you can reasonably combine work and study, you may be able to claim. Also, if you explain to your adviser that you will change your hours of study, or give up your course if work becomes available, you may be able to claim.
Does volunteering count as work?
Volunteering does not count as paid work. If you are currently volunteering, or would like to volunteer to gain new skills, discuss this with your personal adviser at Jobcentre Plus. It may be possible that you can work part-time and volunteer around your working hours. However, you will have to be prepared to put paid work first and perhaps leave a voluntary position if it makes you unavailable for paid work.
yes that is right Louise, the problem I have is my course is not full time in fact it is laser learning so I do all my course work on line, but I still don't have a great deal of spare time to fit in 16hrs paid work. I won't finish my course until next February, I have to be in paid or voluntary work to go on the course and even though I looked for paid work they all wanted me to be qualified, which left me to take the voluntary. I feel like I'm being backed in a corner even though it will be the best opportunity for my kids and I in the future.
Yes, it is ridiculous, it seems that the rules are made without any common sense!
Help Please!
My name is Laura Dewar and I work for the Single Parent Action Network the charity that runs One Space.
As some of you will know I wrote short guidance on your rights while on JSA and the flexibilities that should be open to you to also care for your children.
We also have a hard copy of the guidance (which can be requested from me if you email L.dewar@spanuk.org.uk).
The funders for the leaflet production are keen to see the impact of the work and particularly where single parents have used the leaflet to challenge practice at Jobcentre Plus or the Work Programme. Could you help? Would you be happy to be a casestudy? Your personal details would of course not be shared. This would really help our charity to do similar work in the future and help us to help you stand up for your rights.
Many thanks
Laura
Some Good News for a Change
The Government have announced that jobseekers who refuse to apply for or leave a zero hours contract will not be sanctioned.
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm140402/text...
If you are a jobseeker and you are asked to apply for a zero hours contract by the Jobcentre or the Work Programme you now know what you can quote!
Do let me know if you are still asked to apply for a zero hours job. I will raise it with the Government.
Laura
Hi Sally I am a lone parent of 3 children 14, 6, and 4. My youngest is turning 5 on the 26th of may this month. I have received a letter saying from this date I am no longer entitled to income support and must claim jsa. I also have a back to work appointment on the 23rd of this month. I want to know when do I apply for jsa do I apply now so I dont lose any benefit or wait till the 23rd till my appointment? My other question is I live in a rural village with no available childcare they are all full and the buses take an hour to travel into the city centre, there are no jobs locally I have asked everywhere from the village shop to the parish council and I read I am meant to apply for so many jobs a week how can I do this when there is none between 10 and 2 who let you have all school holidays off? I have no family to help out and my eldest child spends weekends and school holidays with her father and through the week is bogged down with homework and studying for GCSEs . I am sick with worry over all this. Please help.
Hi jrich77, it is trickey knowing when you will need to sign on for JSA when moving from Income Support the letters that are sent out do not explain clearly enough what you need to do and when, if your doing an online claim you will be called in to do an interveiw within a few days of sending of the application (from putting in an application to interview can be roughly a week) but it can take up to five days for them to contact you, so probably about a week or so before your Income support ends.
You may also want to take a look at this information about JSA and the flexibilites available to lone parents as it may have some answers to your concerns.
Let us know if you need anymore information.
Hi everyone, been reading the forums for a while and decided to join so I could add my two cents on this contentious issue of moving lone parents on to JSA!
My situation: I am a lone parent of I two lovely kids, an 11 year old girl and a 5 year old boy. As my son turned 5 on the 5th of December I have now been moved on to JSA (a process the DWP COMPLETELY messed up, but that's a story for another day!)
I have read with interest the experiences of users on this webiste (and others) and am absolutely APPALLED by the treatment and mininformation many have suffered at the hands of the DWP.
I signed on for the first time this week and the lady who did the process for me did seem very friendly and helpful; although I would appreciate some clarity on this travel to work rule? I have read in many places that it is one hour for lone parents, but I have been told 90 minutes each way? She has put me down for being available for work from 9.10a.m. to 2.55p.m., but there has been no account taken of school holidays; I have also been advised that my 11 year old is now expected to be old enough to look after herself??? I don't mind leaving her for an hour or 2 but no way for hours on end, just no way! There is no childcare available in my area for children of her age.
This whole process is stressing me out to a crazy degree; I was looking for jobs anyway but the pressure to find one is ridiculous, and where are these jobs anyway? Just crazy! I was looking to do some volunteer work, to get out and meet people and gain some new skills, I am also studying with the Open University, plus now having to carry out 20 jobsearch activities a week (again, where are these jobs anyway?) while being solely responsible for 2 children (their dad has them 3 nights out of 21). I have even considered just not claiming JSA at all, but don't see how we could manage without it.
My main reason for writing this post (apart from venting off steam!) is to question how the heck this has been allowed to happen??? When I was married I was classed as a "stay-at-home mother" and seemingly admired for this. I become a single parent through no fault of my own (my ex had an affair) and all of a sudden I am a social pariah! My children haven't changed, but all of a sudden their needs and feelings are no longer important?
How is this right or fair? How can I be told that my 11 year old should be left to fend for herself? There has to be some way that we can get together and do something about this ridiculous, DISCRIMINATORY legislation. It will do nothing but hurt our children.
To those "in the know" on this website, I would firstly like to say thankyou for the great information you have provided on this issue. I would also like to ask if there is NOTHING in Human Rights / Discrimination / Equality legislation that says that this discrimination is unlawful? As in, a married/co-habiting woman can stay at home to raise children, often while claiming a lot of child tax credit (I know I was!) and possibly housing benefit/working tax credit/council tax benefit, yet single parents (and no, we're not always women, but are in the main) are being pressurised into what is tantamount to child neglect!
To all the single parents who post on here: we are all doing a very hard, but ultimately very rewarding, JOB already, and it is a JOB. There is nothing more important in this world than our CHILDREN.
To Mr Duncan Smith and his party, I would ask this: where are all these magical "school hours" jobs? where is the childcare we were promised? how is it morally right to leave children as young as 11 to fend for themselves? why is it ok to pay other people to look after our own children but be penalised and discriminated against for wanting to do it ourselves?
Thanks for reading, all the best for Christmas to you all
xx