Free Lone Parent Helpline, 0808 801 0323
The Lone Parent Helpline is a free and confidential helpline for lone parents and agencies working with lone parents in Scotland. It provides answers to questions and problems that cannot be easily answered elsewhere.
Friendly and helpful
The helpline is staffed by a team of Rights Workers who are trained to deal with a wide range of issues and where appropriate, callers will be signposted to relevant agencies in their area who can help. Topics covered include welfare benefits, tax credits, help finding and paying for childcare, legal issues relating to separation and divorce, maintenance, housing, funding for further/higher education and employment rights.
Support and information
To support this service, we produce a range of free factsheets covering the most widely asked questions that are asked on the helpline. Single copies of all factsheets are available free of charge.
If you are unsure whether or not the Lone Parent Helpline can help you, give us a call and we will try and point you in the right direction.
Details
The helpline is free from landlines and from Vodafone, 3, Orange, T Mobile and Virgin mobile phones.
Lines are open Monday to Thursday 9.30 am to 3.00 pm and Fridays 12.30pm to 3.00pm.
Gingerbread run the helpline for users in England & Wales.
Feedback
We are always keen to hear from lone parents and agencies who have used our helpline or received our publications. We value your opinions and will always consider any communication from you that will help us evaluate and improve our services. Please feel free to contact us.
Previous feedback
"I had been thinking for a while about looking for employment but didn’t know where to turn to. Finding that little OPFS Helpline card in my local library has changed my life."
- Louise
Related News
Lone Parents: Know Your Rights at Work!
With increasing numbers of lone parents being encouraged to return to employment under the government's welfare reform, it is vital to understand your rights and obligations as an employee.
General election alert - 6th April 2010
Now that the general election has been called, we will try to bring you relevant information about the policies of the main parties. On 30th March the Scottish Campaign on Welfare Reform (SCOWR) supported by OPFS launched its election manifesto calling for a more respectful and supportive approach towards welfare reform.
Getting ready for the general election - 17th March 2010
In preparation for the forthcoming General Election, we will be talking to lone parents to see whether they are registered to vote and also to discuss the implications of the election for parents. Parents who are not registered to vote will need to do so by 20th April if they want to vote in this election (assuming it happens on May 6th as expected). We tell you about the implications of registering and why this election could be important for you.
NUS Parent Trap event at the Parliament - 12th February 2010
On 4th February, the NUS (National Union of Students) held an event at the Scottish Parliament to launch their campaign for more support for childcare costs for parents in further and higher education, a campaign strongly supported by OPFS
"Just Ask Campaign" - 12th February 2010
The Scottish Government have launched a campaign for parents to "just ask" for help with any additional support needs that their children or young people may have in relation to their education
Employment Support Allowance (ESA) changes - 21st July 2009
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is the new benefit paid to people whose ability to work is limited due to ill health or disability. From the 27th of October, 2008 it replaced both Incapacity Benefit (IB) and Income Support (IS), paid on the grounds of incapacity for work.
Related Publications
A Guide to Time Off Work
This is a basic guide covering the different types of leave or absence from work and who is entitled to them. This factsheet is only an introduction to what you may be entitled to, so please seek further advice where necessary.
Bereavement factsheet
This factsheet gives a summary of the financial support available when a husband, wife, or civil partner dies. It also includes a list of support organisations and a short reading list.
Changes to Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support
Information on recent and future changes to Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) and Income Support (IS).
(This factsheet is part of the OPFS Lone Parent's Rights Guide.)
Fuel Advice Factsheets
A set of factsheets covering: Energy and money saving tips; Dealing with fuel debt; Information on payment methods, social tariffs, and switching suppliers; Useful advice agencies.
Further education and training factsheet
This guide explains what Further Education is, and what help is available if you wish to study or train at this level.
Money for Lone Parent Full-time Students Entering Higher Education 2010-2011
This factsheet gives a brief overview of financial and other help you may be entitled to if you are a lone parent studying or considering studying a course of Higher Education (HNC, HND, Degree, etc.)
This is meant as a guide only, there are exceptions to the basic entitlements given here so always check with the Student Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) or with a Student Financial Adviser at the university before committing yourself.
(Please note students studying health related courses are funded differently. Seek advice from SAAS or call our Lone Parent Helpline: 0808 801 0323.)