Rate of payment
If payment of Sole Parent Support is to continue while a sole parent client is in prison, you will need to determine the rate to pay to the temporary caregiver.
The Sole Parent Support should generally be paid at the equivalent rate of Unsupported Child's Benefit less the family tax credit and Best Start tax credit that would be payable if the caregiver qualified for this, see: Examples - sole parents
Exception
However, there is discretion to continue payment at the full sole parent rate.
You can consider including the following costs to calculate the rate to pay the temporary caregiver while the client is in prison:
- rent or outgoings if the children are being cared for in the client's home
- the client's other commitments if these costs are for essential items and they cannot be suspended, such as Child Support payments (where the client does not qualify for an exemption) or a hire purchase for an essential item
Note the total amount paid to the temporary caregiver must not exceed the maximum amount of Sole Parent Support payable. An application for this assistance must be made by the temporary caregiver.
SWIFTT
The Sole Parent Support, family tax credit and Best Start tax credit rate should continue in the client's name and be paid to the caregiver as an agent in SWIFTT.
When the temporary caregiver is to be paid less than the maximum rate of Sole Parent Support, you will need to add this as a non-standard rate using the SNSRA screen in SWIFTT.
For more information see:
Legislation
- Exceptions to rule that benefit not payable during custody in prison or on remand section 218 Social Security Act 2018
