To ask the Minister for Communities what financial and childcare support exists for single mothers residing outside of neighbourhood renewal areas who are unable to work due to maternity-related illness.

Where single mothers are unable to work due to maternity-related illness, they may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from their employer where they meet the qualifying conditions. SSP is paid from the fourth day of sickness for absences not related to COVID-19 at £95.85 per week for up to 28 weeks in any one period of entitlement. Some employers may decide to pay more, or for longer, through Occupational Sick Pay.

Those who are not eligible for SSP and the self-employed may be eligible for new style Employment and Support Allowance, depending on their personal circumstances.

In addition, where the person’s income is reduced while off work sick and they require further financial support, they may be able to receive Universal Credit, depending on individual circumstances.

Where a person receives both SSP and Universal Credit, SSP will be taken into account when calculating the Universal Credit payment. Also, where a person receives new style Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit, new style Employment and Support Allowance will be taken into account when calculating the Universal Credit payment.

Financial support towards the costs of childcare is available through Universal Credit, Tax Credits, Tax-Free Childcare or Childcare Vouchers (if the parent is already in the Scheme).

Universal Credit pays up to 85% of childcare costs up to a monthly limit of £646.35 for one child or £1108.04 for 2 or more children subject to satisfying the eligibility criteria. Under Universal Credit childcare costs in payment before the period of sickness, will continue to be paid for an existing childcare place while the parent is receiving SSP: they will be treated as in paid work whilst not working.

For those in receipt of Tax Credits administered by HMRC, up to 70% of eligible childcare costs are provided through the childcare element of Working Tax Credit. The childcare element can be payable for the first 28 weeks off sick.

Relevant information is available on the Employers for Childcare website, who offer a very useful Family Benefits Advice Service. This service can offer parents tailored advice on the best form of financial support with childcare costs. Employers for Childcare can be contacted on 0800 028 3008 or by accessing the website on https://www.employersforchildcare.org/parents/family-benefits-advice-service/.

Advice and support for parents on finding a suitable childcare place, and the financial support available, can also be accessed on the Family Support NI website at the following link: https://www.familysupportni.gov.uk.