For detailed information look at the HMRC website,
Key Benefits
Income Support – usually until the youngest child is 5
Job Seekers Allowance – once the youngest child is 5, or if not entitled to IS. Parent must be available for work and actively seeking work.
Employment and Support Allowance – If the lone parent has a long term illness, disability or mental health problems
Child Tax Credit – Support for children.
Child benefit – Support for children only paid to families where no-one earns more than £50k a year.
Working Tax Credit – If a lone parent works more than 16 hours they can get Working Tax Credit. If they work more than 30 hours the amount goes up. If they have a disability the amount goes up.
Childcare element of Working Tax Credit – pays for up to 70% of childcare costs up to a maximum of £210 for 2 children