One parent family application

My baby is 6 months old. I cannot find childcare for her which means I can’t return to work at present. I am a single mam and I’m looking at applying for one parent family. In one of the questions on the application it wants to know why I’m applying late. Should I just say I can’t find childcare which is the truth ? Or will that be classed as not a good enough excuse for applying late.

Yes, that will be fine, you can mention that you are unable to go back to work at the moment, so are applying for one parent family payment.

Do you know if I would be back dated the money for the 6 months ? Thanks

Can't say, it depends on the circumstances - for example, were you on Maternity Benefit?
Give the department as much information as you can, they'll do the rest

The truth is always the best option.

Failure to find childcare is a very valid reason.

They will backdate if it is deemed appropriate and they will take into account any other payments made.