We, the undersigned, call on the UK Government and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to urgently reform Universal Credit (UC) childcare support eligibility, so that disabled single parents who are unable to work due to serious health conditions can access financial assistance for childcare.

Who is affected?

Disabled single parents who are too unwell to work and have no working partner are being unjustly excluded from UC childcare support. Under current rules, childcare help is only available to those in paid employment — a policy that discriminates against parents who are medically unfit to work. These individuals are already coping with long-term illness, financial hardship, and the full responsibility of solo parenting. Denied childcare support, they are left without crucial relief, unable to attend medical appointments, rest, or access the basic help they need for daily life. Their children, too, are missing out on vital early learning and social development opportunities.

What is at stake?

If the government fails to act, this unjust policy will continue to punish disabled single parents, deepen poverty, and isolate families. Parents will remain stuck without a path back to health, independence, or future employment. Children will be denied access to nurturing early years settings that help them thrive.

This gap in support:

Prevents access to respite, rehabilitation, and recovery;

Traps families in cycles of poverty and illness;
Neglects children’s early education and wellbeing;
Violates principles of equality, fairness, and human dignity.

But if change is made, thousands of families could benefit from fair and compassionate policy — giving parents the time and space to heal while ensuring their children are safe, supported, and seen.

Why is now the time to act?

We urge the government to act now, because these families cannot afford to wait. The cost-of-living crisis, rising childcare fees, and pressure on mental and physical health are only getting worse. Disabled single parents need help today — not someday. By making a simple but crucial change to allow UC childcare support for those in the Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) group, even if not in work, the government can make an immediate difference.

We ask the UK Government and DWP to:

Extend UC childcare support to single parents in the LCWRA group, even if they are not working;
Recognize that childcare is a necessity, not a luxury — especially for those with additional needs;
Uphold the Equality Act 2010 and the UK’s commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Every child deserves a good start. Every parent deserves support — whether they are healthy, sick, or single.

Personal Story

I’ve started this petition because I know the struggle first-hand.

I suffer with fibromyalgia, a debilitating condition that forced me to give up work. Trying to look after my three kids, get them to school on time, and hold down a job while in constant pain was simply too much for my body to cope with.

Now, like so many others, I’m stuck in a system that doesn’t support disabled single parents who are too ill to work — especially when it comes to childcare support through Universal Credit.

This needs to change.

Please sign and share my petition to demand funded UC childcare for disabled single parents who are unable to work due to serious health conditions. We deserve help — not punishment for being unwell.

Extension: 30 Free Hours of Childcare

We also call on the Government to reform access to the 30 hours of free childcare scheme, which is currently only available to working parents. This rule excludes disabled single parents who are medically unable to work and do not have a partner to qualify on their behalf.

This unfair restriction:

Denies children equal access to early years education, simply because their parent is too unwell to work;

Disadvantages disabled single-parent families, deepening inequality and social isolation;
Contradicts the purpose of early years support, which is to give all children the best start in life.

We urge the Government to extend eligibility for the 30 free hours to disabled single parents who are unable to work due to health conditions, ensuring their children are not punished for their parent’s illness.