If you're a single parent and working...

I want to return to my job after I have the baby. Will I only be able to claim Child Benefit?

• If you work less than 16 hours a week you can earn up to £15 a week and still receive full Income Support. Any money earned over £15 will be deducted from your benefit
• If you work 16 hours or more a week you cannot claim Income Support, but if your income is low you may be able to claim Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC), a tax-free weekly benefit which tops up your earnings. Look on your Child Benefit Book or letter of award for a message telling you how much you can earn and still qualify for WFTC. Any maintenance you get is not taken into account when you make a claim for WFTC
• If you are on a low income (including WFTC) you may get help with your rent and council tax by applying for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit
• If you have been receiving Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance and receiving maintenance, you can claim a Child Maintenance Bonus when you return to work
• If you have been receiving Income Support, you will continue to receive it for the first two weeks of your new job. You will also be able to continue receiving Housing Benefit and Council Tax benefit for the first two weeks of your new job

What happens about child maintenance if I'm working?
To arrange child maintenance if you are working, not on benefit, and have no maintenance agreement, contact your nearest Child Support Agency office.

Child Support Agency (CSA)
PO Box 55, Brierly Hill, West Midlands, DY5 1YL
Tel: 01345 133133 (calls charged at local rate)

• If you are on WFTC, maintenance is ignored when calculating your income for this tax credit
• If you are working and not receiving any benefit, you will be able to keep the maintenance but, of course, your income would be taken into consideration when the child maintenance agreement is made