Single parents could only claim income support until their youngest child turned 16, but from November those with children over 12 will receive Jobseeker's Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance instead.
The Government suggested that lone parents may also receive additional training and childcare support to prepare them for entering employment.
James Purnell, secretary of state for work and pensions, said: "Work is the best route out of poverty and these reforms will offer lone parents access to a range of support to help them move into paid work and stay there."
This announcement comes within a fortnight of the prime minister announcing 600,000 nursery school places for toddlers as a means of getting parents back to work.
Single parents get help to return to work
The Government has introduced benefit plans to help single parents get back to work.
