Petition

Review benefit rules for 50/50 shared custody families

Rejected 20 signatures

What the petition asks

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.
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.

Why it was rejected

There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.

You may wish to sign the following petition, which calls for similar action:

Give automatic equal benefits rights to separated parents who are co-parenting
Give automatic equal benefits rights to separated parents who are co-parenting

Timeline

16 Apr 2025 Petition opened for signatures
29 Apr 2025 Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 20
Status Rejected
Rejected 29 Apr 2025

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 7 Aug 2026.