Single and caring for an Orphans or Unsupported Childs Benefit child
A client who applies for or is getting Jobseeker Support, and also caring for a child aged under 14 years who meets the qualifications to get Orphan's Benefit or an Unsupported Child's Benefit, must meet the qualifications for Jobseeker Support to get this benefit.
Many clients who apply for, or who are getting Jobseeker Support, and care for a child aged under 14 years for whom Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit is being paid, can meet the eligibility criteria to be willing and able, available and seeking full-time employment. In this case, they should be granted Jobseeker Support.
Cannot meet the eligibility criteria for Jobseeker Support
If the client is not willing and able, or available for and actively seeking full-time work because of their caring duties, then they do not qualify for Jobseeker Support.
Clients who are in this position and are single or are sole parents whose own dependent children are aged 14 years or over will need to assess their entitlement to other financial assistance.
Things to consider when discussing benefit options with the client
When discussing the benefit options available to a client, you need to consider the impact the benefit type has on other types of assistance and obligations.
For more information see:
- Orphans Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit Other benefit assistance
Consider if appropriate to include Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit child in Sole Parent Support
Generally, a client is only eligible for Sole Parent Support if they have at least one dependent child aged less than 14 years. Once their youngest dependent child is 14 years or older, they will automatically transfer to Jobseeker Support.
It may be appropriate to include the Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit child into the client's benefit as the client's dependent child.
A sole parent whose own dependent children are aged 14 or over, or a single client caring for one or more Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit children may be able to include one or more of the Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit children as their own in Sole Parent Support . They cannot continue to get Orphans Benefit or Unsupported Childs Benefit for children who are included in their Sole Parent Support although they may decide to exclude the child in the future and get Orphans Benefit or Unsupported Childs Benefit instead.
For more information see:
- Orphans Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit Getting UCB/OB for a child after the child has been included in a benefit
Two or more Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit children
Where a single client is caring for two or more Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit children, the client may consider including the youngest child into the client's benefit as their own and being granted or transferring to Sole Parent Support.
They can continue to receive Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit payments for the other child or children.
Not appropriate to include Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child Benefit child as a dependent child in Sole Parent Support
If it is considered not appropriate to include the child as their own dependent child, their eligibility to Emergency Benefit, on the grounds of hardship, should be considered.
For more information see:
- Emergency Benefit Single and caring for a child
