If you are a lone parent in reciept of maternity allowance you do not qualify for the earnings disregard of £39.90,this is because you are not deemed to be working.However if you receive statutory maternity a pay, paid by your employer you qualify.In order to qualify for s.m.p your average weekly earnings must be £84 or more.Unfortunately if you only work 16 hours for the minimum wage you would only qualify for smp between october and march as your earnings would be £85.60.From april this year the earnings threshold increases to £87 and you need to wait again until the next minimum wage increase in october before you would qualify.This appears to be grossly unfair and must impact on thousands of lone parents who only work 16 hours. Isnt it also strange that the inland revenue count you as working if you receive any form of maternity payments therefore entitling you to w.t.c.I believe this is an anamoly and that the housing benefit regs have got to be challenged and changed.Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.

gerry boyle