I am very happy to confirm my announcement this week that I will be extending eligibility for the one-parent family payment (OFP) to lone parents who are also eligible for the half-rate carer’s allowance (CA) payment, until their youngest child is aged 16 years. This acknowledges the special situation for lone parents who are caring and, in particular, acknowledges the commitment of lone parents who are caring for people other than their own child – such as a parent or sibling who requires full-time care and attention.
The OFP scheme already provides for lone parents who are caring for children under 16 years of age, and who are in receipt of the domiciliary care allowance (DCA) and a half-rate carer’s allowance payment in conjunction with their OFP. This entitlement is not affected by the ongoing changes to the OFP scheme. This change now provides the same level of support to those caring for someone other than their own child.
I have had the privilege of meeting many lone parents since I became Minister for Social Protection some of whom are also carers. I am therefore, also extending these new rules to individuals who are caring and become a new lone parent or existing lone parents who become carers.
This is expected to impact positively on approximately 1,800 individuals including the 800 individuals who were due to be affected on 2 July, 2015. The balance are individuals who previously lost entitlement since July 2013 or lone parents who will qualify for OFP for the first time when their youngest child is seven years of age or older provided they are in receipt of Carer’s Allowance.
