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Feedback sought on plans to make benefit claimants work more hours

Thu, 30 Nov 2017

The Treasury is seeking feedback on plans to encourage families that claim benefits to work more hours.

Employed Person's Allowance is currently given to families and disabled persons who work but have low incomes.

The Government believes some of those who currently qualify could work more, earning more money and reducing the need to claim benefits.

The Treasury wants to increase the hours those with children work to qualify for support once their youngest child reaches age 6.

It's also proposed to alter the conditions for income support for lone parents.

Currently, any lone parents can claim income support as long as their child is under 12 with no requirement to look for work - the Treasury wants to change this to 6 years old, at which point the parent would claim jobseeker's allowance instead.

The Government is holding a public consultation on the proposed changes, and is particularly keen to hear from those who currently claim EPA and income support, other members of the public, employers and representative bodies.

Should the changes go ahead, there would be a 12-month lead-in period, giving families time to prepare for the new requirements.

The changes would not affect lone parents with a child under 6 years old or disabled workers.

Full details of the consultation can be found on the Government's website.

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