Benefits conditionality survey launched
On January 18, 2025, we launched a new survey to explore how single parents in Scotland are affected by the threat of benefit sanctions and rising work requirements. The survey will run until 3 March.
22/01/2025
News
We need your support
To receive Universal Credit, people usually have to attend job centre interviews, look for work, increase working hours or attend job training. If they don’t meet these conditions, they risk losing some of their benefit.
We want to understand how these requirements affect single parents in Scotland. We will use an online survey, focus groups and consultations with our local services to find out more.
You can help us by sharing our Benefits Conditionality Survey widely to ensure we reach as many single parents across Scotland as possible. Here’s how:
Share the survey by sharing our posts on:
Share the survey through your networks and newsletters, using this link.
What is conditionality and how does it affect single parents?
Until relatively recently, single parents on no or low incomes could claim Income Support in recognition of their caring responsibilities until their youngest child turned 16. This policy acknowledged that parenting and childcare constituted work that deserved support.
During this period, single parents were not required to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), look for work, or be available for work, and therefore they were not subjected to sanctions.
However, these entitlements have changed over time. The age of the youngest child—used as the cut-off for Income Support—has been progressively lowered:
- 2008: Reduced to 12 years old
- 2009: Reduced to 10 years old
- 2010: Reduced to 7 years old
- 2012: Reduced to 5 years old
Under Universal Credit, these conditions have been extended even further.
- Single parents are now required to meet certain conditions, such as attending job interviews or participating in training programs, when their child is just three years old.
- In addition, single parents in part-time or low-paid employment can face sanctions if they are deemed not to be making sufficient efforts to increase their pay or working hours.