Income Support

Who is Income Support intended for?

Income Support is intended for people who cannot normally work (or who work less than 16 hours a week), and who are on a low income. For example, if you:

• Are incapable of work due to illness or disability.
• Care for a sick or disabled person.
• Are a lone parent responsible for a child under 16.

You must be between 16 and 60 to claim Income Support. People aged over 60 on a low income may be able to claim other benefits such as Pension Credit.

How is Income Support worked out?

Income Support is means tested and depends on your circumstances. Regulations approved by Parliament specify how much you should have coming in for your basic living expenses. This depends upon age, family size, disabilities, etc. If the money coming in is less than this amount, you will get Income Support to make up the difference. However, some income is ignored (such as Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance) and some income only taken partly into account (such as part time earnings and some charitable payments).

You would not normally be entitled to Income Support if you:

• Work 16 hours or more a week.
• Have a spouse or partner working 24 hours a week or more.
• Are studying full time. (Although there are exceptions for certain single parents, certain disabled people, and certain students estranged from their parents.)

Capital or savings up to a certain level do not affect benefit but Income Support entitlement will reduce if they are more than a specified amount. With couples, the needs and finances of both partners are taken into account when working out Income Support.

Income Support does not cover rent and Council Tax. However, if you are getting Income Support you can get help with these from separate schemes run by the local council (Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit). If you are buying your home, an amount for the interest part of your mortgage payments may be added into the calculation of your Income Support entitlement.

Note: because of the complicated rules it is not easy to work out what Income Support you could get. Only by claiming can you be sure. Many people, including those with disabilities, do not claim the Income Support that is due to them. Although the claim form is long and detailed, do not let this put you off claiming.

If I get Income Support, what else am I entitled to?

You are entitled to certain other benefits. For example:

• Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.
• Help with health costs. For example, free prescriptions, free NHS dental treatment, vouchers for glasses, and help with fares to hospital if you have hospital appointments.
• Grants and loans from the Social Fund.
• Free school meals for your children.

Even though you may only be due a small amount of Income Support, it may be worth claiming because of these fringe benefits.

How is Income Support paid?

Income Support is normally paid directly into a bank account, building society account, post office account, or national savings account.. However, in some situations you may get cheque payments that you can cash at a post office if you do not have any of these accounts.

How can I claim Income Support?

• go to the website of DIrect.gov (details below). This is a government site where you can download a claim form, OR
• get a claim form from your local Jobcentre Plus office, OR
• claim online at www.dwp.gov.uk/eservice/

Further information, help and advice

Directgov

Web: www.direct.gov.uk
Directgov provides information from across UK government departments on topics ranging from travel safety and parental leave, to special educational needs, local NHS services, and benefits. The site also brings together an increasing number of online government services - including being able to download and/or complete certain benefit claim forms online.

Citizens Advice Bureau

Provides independent advice on many issues including benefits. Listed in the phone book under 'Citizens Advice Bureaux'. Also, see their excellent website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Department for Work and Pensions

Their website provides a list of claim forms that you can download or fill in online for benefits, allowances, pensions and other payments - www.dwp.gov.uk/resourcecentre/claim_forms.asp
Contact details of their local offices (Jobcentre Plus offices and other 'social security' offices) can usually be found in the phone book under 'Jobcentre Plus'.