Income Support

If you are over sixteen years of age but under sixty years of age, are unable to work and have a low income, you might be entitled to receive Income Support which, as the name suggests, is a benefit to help you cover your basic expenses. You may be entitled to claim Income Support if:

• You are a single parent
• You are registered as being ill or disabled
• You are a student and a single parent or registered as ill or disabled
• You are a carer for a sick or elderly person

You should not have savings which exceed £16,000, and you should be either unemployed or working less than sixteen hours weekly. Your partner must also work less than twenty-four hours a week, or your eligibility may be affected. You might also receive Income Support if:

• You are ill and Income Support exceeds your Statutory Sick Pay
• You or your partner are on parental leave
• You are currently on paternity leave

The exact amount of Income Support that you will receive will be calculated based on your individual situation and your needs. Your age, family, income, savings and any disabilities will all be taken into account. If you wish to apply for Income Support, contact Jobcentre Plus on 0800 055 6688 for assistance. You will have to fill in a claim form with details of your circumstances, and attend an interview with an advisor who can help you with managing your finances and looking for work.

If you are successful, Income Support will be paid into an account you nominate, via direct debit. You can also request Income Support to be sent to you in the form of a personal cheque, which you can cash at any Post Office®. If you receive Income Support you will automatically be entitled to Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, free prescriptions, free dental treatment and free school dinners for your children. You must inform the benefits service of any changes to your circumstances as soon as possible. This enables the benefits service to ensure that you are always receiving the support to which you are entitled.