Income Protection Insurance

Income protection Insurance for Single Parents

Security for the what-ifs, peace of mind for the everyday.

Edited by:
Fact Checked by:
August 6, 2025

What is income protection?

Income protection is a type of life insurance cover that replaces lost income if you're too ill or injured to work. For single parents juggling everything alone, it can be vital - helping cover rent, bills, or even just the weekly shop when your monthly salary stops.

Parenting solo? Financial backup counts

When you're raising a child on your own and suddenly lose your income, the impact is immediate and serious. Income protection gives you a financial safety net.

  • No partner to pick up the slack
    You're the breadwinner, carer, cook, and cleaner. If your income stops, so does the household.
    Income protection can help you keep up with rent and avoid debt.
  • Benefits don't always stretch
    Statutory sick pay in the UK is just over £100 a week - not nearly enough for most families. A policy that kicks in after four weeks can help you stay afloat when state benefits fall short.

Not all income protection is the same

It's not just about buying a life insurance policy - it's about getting the right one for you. The good news? There are tailored policies out there that understand single parenthood.

  • Choose your deferred period wisely
    This is how long you wait before payments begin. Shorter periods mean quicker payouts but higher premiums.
  • Life cover that keeps up with inflation
    Children's needs grow - and so do prices. Some policies increase your benefit over time to help you keep up.
  • Consider added support services
    Some policies go beyond just a payout. Look for extras like mental health services or help returning to work.

Summing up

For single parents, income protection isn't just a nice-to-have - it's a smart, proactive way to protect your family from financial hardship. It gives you space to breathe and heal without worrying how to make ends meet. And when you're the only adult in the house, peace of mind is priceless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get income protection if I work part-time?

Yes, income protection is available to part-time workers, as long as you have a regular income. Many single parents work part-time to balance work and childcare, and insurance companies understand this. The amount you're covered for will usually depend on your earnings, so even if you work fewer hours, you can still receive a monthly benefit that helps cover essential expenses.

Can I get income protection if I work part-time?

Yes, income protection is available to part-time workers, as long as you have a regular income. Many single parents work part-time to balance work and childcare, and insurance companies understand this. The amount you're covered for will usually depend on your earnings, so even if you work fewer hours, you can still receive a monthly benefit that helps cover essential expenses.

Can I get income protection if I work part-time?

Yes, income protection is available to part-time workers, as long as you have a regular income. Many single parents work part-time to balance work and childcare, and insurance companies understand this. The amount you're covered for will usually depend on your earnings, so even if you work fewer hours, you can still receive a monthly benefit that helps cover essential expenses.

Can I get income protection if I work part-time?

Yes, income protection is available to part-time workers, as long as you have a regular income. Many single parents work part-time to balance work and childcare, and insurance companies understand this. The amount you're covered for will usually depend on your earnings, so even if you work fewer hours, you can still receive a monthly benefit that helps cover essential expenses.

Is income protection expensive?

Income protection is often more affordable than people think. Premiums can start from as little as £10 a month, depending on your age, health, job, and how much cover you want. You can also adjust your policy - things like a longer waiting period or covering a smaller percentage of your income can help reduce costs while giving you a good amount of financial protection.

Is income protection expensive?

Income protection is often more affordable than people think. Premiums can start from as little as £10 a month, depending on your age, health, job, and how much cover you want. You can also adjust your policy - things like a longer waiting period or covering a smaller percentage of your income can help reduce costs while giving you a good amount of financial protection.

Is income protection expensive?

Income protection is often more affordable than people think. Premiums can start from as little as £10 a month, depending on your age, health, job, and how much cover you want. You can also adjust your policy - things like a longer waiting period or covering a smaller percentage of your income can help reduce costs while giving you a good amount of financial protection.

What happens if I go back to work?

If you recover and return to work, your income protection payments will usually stop. But your policy doesn't end - you're still covered for the future. That means if something else happens down the line, you can claim again. Some policies even offer partial payouts if you go back to work part-time while you recover, which can help ease the transition without losing all your financial support.

What happens if I go back to work?

If you recover and return to work, your income protection payments will usually stop. But your policy doesn't end - you're still covered for the future. That means if something else happens down the line, you can claim again. Some policies even offer partial payouts if you go back to work part-time while you recover, which can help ease the transition without losing all your financial support.

What happens if I go back to work?

If you recover and return to work, your income protection payments will usually stop. But your policy doesn't end - you're still covered for the future. That means if something else happens down the line, you can claim again. Some policies even offer partial payouts if you go back to work part-time while you recover, which can help ease the transition without losing all your financial support.

Does income protection cover mental health?

Yes, most modern income protection policies do cover mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or stress-related conditions. These are some of the most common reasons for claims today. The key is to check the policy details - some insurers are more supportive than others. Look for policies that don't limit mental health claims or have long exclusions, especially if you've experienced these issues before.

Does income protection cover mental health?

Yes, most modern income protection policies do cover mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or stress-related conditions. These are some of the most common reasons for claims today. The key is to check the policy details - some insurers are more supportive than others. Look for policies that don't limit mental health claims or have long exclusions, especially if you've experienced these issues before.

Does income protection cover mental health?

Yes, most modern income protection policies do cover mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or stress-related conditions. These are some of the most common reasons for claims today. The key is to check the policy details - some insurers are more supportive than others. Look for policies that don't limit mental health claims or have long exclusions, especially if you've experienced these issues before.

What is family income benefit?

Family income benefit pays out a regular monthly income to your family if you die during the policy term, rather than a lump sum payment. It's similar to income protection, except the payout comes after death rather than with illness or injury. Family income benefit works if you have financially dependent family who rely on your steady income. Other options include critical illness cover, which pays out a tax-free sum in the event of serious illness.

What is family income benefit?

Family income benefit pays out a regular monthly income to your family if you die during the policy term, rather than a lump sum payment. It's similar to income protection, except the payout comes after death rather than with illness or injury. Family income benefit works if you have financially dependent family who rely on your steady income. Other options include critical illness cover, which pays out a tax-free sum in the event of serious illness.

What is family income benefit?

Family income benefit pays out a regular monthly income to your family if you die during the policy term, rather than a lump sum payment. It's similar to income protection, except the payout comes after death rather than with illness or injury. Family income benefit works if you have financially dependent family who rely on your steady income. Other options include critical illness cover, which pays out a tax-free sum in the event of serious illness.

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About the author

Lawrence Howlett

Founder of Money Saving Advisors and a finance writer known for clear, actionable insights.

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