Raising a family as a single parent comes with a range of unique financial challenges that can often feel overwhelming. From additional childcare costs to managing a single income, balancing expenses can be a constant struggle. Fortunately, here in the UK there are a number of financial support mechanisms designed to help single parents cope with monetary pressures and provide additional support for their families.
In this guide we take a look at all the financial help available to single parents in the UK. We also explain when it could be time to seek professional debt management help if you are still struggling with unmanageable debt even after receiving additional support.
How do single parents cope financially?
Trying to manage everything on one income can be really tough. However, thousands of single parents in the UK not only get by but actually thrive despite these challenging financial circumstances. Methods to make the most out of a single income and accessing additional support include:
- Creating a budget
Tracking income and expenses helps identify essential costs and areas to cut back. - Looking for flexible employment
Many single parents look for jobs that accommodate childcare responsibilities. This can be a great way not only of striking a more manageable work/life balance, but also saving money when it comes to childcare. - Accessing local charities and support networks
Organisations such as Gingerbread and Citizens Advice offer tailored guidance and support for single parents. - Exploring debt management solutions
When financial difficulties persist, seeking professional help for debt management can provide respite and long-term solutions. For example, here at MoneyPlus, our expert debt advisors can provide single parents struggling with debt with guidance and suggest the best debt management solutions for your situation. Alternatively, you can get free debt advice at MoneyHelper. - Using government benefits and support schemes
Maximising available benefits can significantly ease financial strain. We take a look at some of these support options in more detail below.
What financial support can I get as a single parent?
As mentioned above, the good news is that multiple support mechanisms exist to help single parents manage their financial responsibilities. Understanding and accessing these resources can significantly improve your family’s financial health. Below we provide an overview of the key financial assistance available
What benefits can I claim as a single parent?
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a monthly payment designed to help low-income individuals and families. Single parents may be eligible for extra payments depending on their circumstances. As of March 2025, the standard monthly Universal Credit allowance for a single individual under 25 is £311.68. However, this is expected to increase to £316.98 from April 2025. Similarly, for single individuals over 25, the standard allowance is £393.45, with this due to increase to £400.14 from April 2025.
If you’re a single parent, you may receive additional Universal Credit payments for your children. Typically, only your first and second children born on or after 6 April 2017 qualify for this extra support. However, if you have more than two children, you may still receive payments for them if they were born before 6 April 2017, or if you were already claiming for three or more children before that date.
If you have a disabled child, you can receive extra monthly payments through Universal Credit, regardless of how many children you have. The amount you receive depends on your child’s level of need: £156.11 at the lower rate or £487.58 at the higher rate. The higher rate is typically awarded if your child qualifies for the highest rate of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) care component or receives the enhanced daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). You can find more details on eligibility criteria here.
Finally, if you’re working, you may also be able to claim up to 85% of childcare costs from registered providers. Maximum monthly amounts are £1,014.63 for one child or £1,739.37 for two or more children.
Apply for Universal Credit here.
Child Benefit
Single parents can claim Child Benefit if they are responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if they are in full-time education or training). However, if you earn over £50,000, you may have to pay back some or all of the benefit through the High Income Child Benefit Charge. Currently, Child Benefit allowance is £25.60 per week for your eldest or only child and £16.95 per child, per week, for any additional children.
Apply for Child Benefit here.
Child Maintenance arrangements
If the other parent is not living with you, they are usually required to contribute financially to the child’s upbringing. Child maintenance can be arranged either privately between both parents or through the Child Maintenance Service (CMS), which calculates and enforces payments based on the non-resident parent’s income.
Council Tax reduction
Typically in the UK, single over-18s – including single parents – who are the only adults living in a home are eligible for a 25% reduction in their council tax bill. However, it’s important to note that the exact amount of reduction may depend on individual income, any benefits you already receive, and the individual policy of your specific local authority. Simply get in touch with your local authority’s council tax department to find out what reduction you could be eligible for.
What additional support is available?
Housing Benefit/Local Housing Allowance
Housing Benefit or Local Housing Allowance can provide important support, with amounts tailored to your local housing rates and household composition. The benefit is designed to help bridge the gap between your income and housing expenses, making suitable accommodation more accessible. This support can be claimed alongside Universal Credit, forming an integrated approach to managing your overall household budget. Many single parents find this assistance makes the difference between stable housing and financial insecurity.
Help with childcare costs
Childcare expenses often represent one of the largest financial burdens for single working parents. Fortunately, several schemes exist to ease this pressure. As mentioned above, through UC, single parents may be able to claim up to 85% of childcare costs from registered providers. On top of this, tax-free childcare offers up to £2,000 per child annually, significantly reducing costs for eligible families.
Apply for Tax-Free Childcare here.
Free school meals
Feeding your children three square meals a day can be very expensive as a single parent. Free school meals can help lighten this burden. Although the rules regarding free school meals differ depending where in the UK you live, eligibility is usually tied to the benefits you receive as a parent. This is to say, if you, as a single parent, are claiming Universal Credit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, and/or Child Tax Credit, your child is likely eligible for free school meals.
Check if your child is eligible for free school meals here.
When to seek professional debt help
Even with government support, single parents may face many financial challenges. Watch for warning signs like missing regular payments, relying on credit for essentials, receiving collection notices, or just generally being overwhelmed by the amount of debt you are dealing with. These could all indicate it’s time to get professional help.
Here at MoneyPlus, we offer compassionate guidance for families in financial distress. Our experts can help to create personalised strategies to manage debt while maintaining family stability, whether that takes the form of debt advice or the implementation of professional debt management solutions like an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) or a Debt Management Plan (DMP). Alternatively, you can get free debt advice at MoneyHelper.
