§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the typical period between a person becoming a lone parent and that person first contacting the Child Support Agency. [57077]
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§ Angela EagleIt is difficult to make generalisations in this area. There is evidence to suggest that many lone parents who claim Income Support do so soon after separation or the birth of a child. However, applications for child maintenance are received from parents with care who may or may not be claiming benefits and who may or may not have recently become lone parents. Under arrangements introduced from April this year lone parents claiming Income Support are helped to complete a maintenance application form when visited by Benefits Agency staff at the start of the claim. Similarly awards of Family Credit or Disability Working Allowance will prompt the issue of child support forms. Lone parents not on benefit are free to contact the Child Support Agency at any time.