More Welfare Reform changes being introduced this year

From October 2009, lone parents whose youngest child is 10 years old or older will no longer be entitled to Income Support and instead will have to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA).

To qualify for JSA you have to be available for work and be actively seeking employment and you have to draw up a Jobseeker’s agreement that gives details of any restrictions on your availability for work. You normally have to sign on at your local Jobcentre Plus every fortnight.