BrowsePetitions#725216
PETITIONRejectedPetition · petition.parliament.uk

Review benefit rules for 50/50 shared custody families

Review and reform the rules that assign all benefits (e.g. DLA, Carer’s Allowance, and benefit cap exemptions) to one parent in shared custody arrangements. In cases where parenting is split 50/50, both parents should be recognised as carers and receive appropriate support.

Last fetched 03 May 2026 · petition.parliament.uk
Signatures
20
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 20/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 20/100,000
Background
In 50/50 custody arrangements, only one parent is recognised for DLA, Carer’s Allowance, and benefit cap exemption. This is unfair and creates unequal financial burdens and emotional strain and fails to serve the best interests of the child who relies on care and support in both homes especially in cases like mine, where our 8-year-old has had cancer treatment for over four years. I care for them half the time but receive no support. The rules must change to reflect modern shared parenting.