One Parent Families Scotland has called for a re-think after seeing a surge in calls about benefits
Single parents are being hit harder by the transfer to Universal Credit, a charity has claimed.
One Parent Families Scotland (OPFS) has said that twice as many single parents lose out as those that gain under the new system.
And with Universal Credit being introduced in four new areas of Scotland this summer, the charity has created a new factsheet to help those who are claiming the benefit, or who are due to be transferred over.
“We know twice as many single parents lose out as gain on Universal Credit,” said OPFS advice and information service manager Julie Mitchell.
“Our free telephone helpline is seeing a surge in inquiries about Universal Credit from single parents telling us they want our help to understand how the new benefit rules affects them, a calculation of what they are entitled to and an expert to help them explore their options including the Scottish choices on how they are paid.”
Universal Credit is scheduled to be introduced to Aberdeenshire, Perth and Kinross, Moray and Scottish Borders this month.
That charity has highlighted that for many, claiming Universal Credit is far from easy, with one fifth of applications rejected due to an overly complicated application process.
The initial five-week wait for the first payment can result in financial difficulties with up to 5% of people subject to sanctions and more than half of these lasting five weeks or more. The charity has said these sanctions can leave parents reliant on foodbanks and pushing them into rent arrears, and for some into homelessness.
Marion Davis, OPFS head of policy, called for Universal Credit as sanctions are hitting those most in need.
She said: “Universal Credit must be reformed to ensure financial security for families. Unfair benefit sanctions can result in children going without proper meals and take a severe financial and emotional toll on single parents and their children, with the situation set to worsen.
“We urge the government to recognise that sanctions don’t work for single parents, and to focus on providing support to better enable single parents to enter work.”
Single parents who need support with benefits applications can contact OPFS on 0808 801 0323.
