ncome Support

What is Income Support?

Income support can help you cover costs if you are on a low income. It is means-tested; the amount you receive will depend on your household income and savings. You usually need to be aged between 18 and state pension age to receive it. However, some 16 and 17 years olds can receive it. If you have savings over £16,000 you will not be entitled to Income Support.

People currently claiming Income Support usually fall in to one of the following groups:

• a carer
• pregnant and cannot work, or have 11 weeks or less before the expected due date
• a lone parent with a child under 5
• a lone foster parent with a child under 16
• a single person looking after a child under 16 before they are adopted
• on maternity, paternity or parental leave
• unable to work and receives Statutory Sick Pay
• in full time education, aged between 16-20 and not living with a parent
• a refugee learning English (course needs to be at least 15 hours per week and started it within 12 months of entering the UK)
• in custody or due to attend a court tribunal

How much is Income Support?

The amount you can get is based on circumstances. The amount paid to will depend on a number of factors such as your age, how your household is made up, your income and savings.

Can I claim Income Support?

Income Support is being replaced by Universal Credit. This means most people cannot make a new claim for Income Support and should apply for Universal Credit instead.

You can only make a new claim for Income Support if you get:

• The Severe Disability Premium, or are entitled to it; or
• You were entitled to the Severe Disability Premium in the last month, and are still eligible for it.

What is the Severe Disability Premium?

It is an extra payment included in your benefit because you are ill or disabled.

• Single person rate - £66.95 per week
• Couple rate - £133.90 per week

You must also be receiving a qualifying benefit:

• Personal Independence Payment daily living component
• Disability Living Allowance care component at the middle or high rate
• Attendance Allowance
• Armed Forces Independence Payment

If you are single:

• You must be living on your own or be the only adult in your household
• No one must be claiming Carers Allowance or the carers’ element of Universal Credit for looking after you.

If you are a couple:

• You must be the only couple in the household
• You both must be in receipt of a qualifying benefit
• No one must get getting Carers Allowance or the carers’ element of Universal Credit for looking after you. However, if someone claims a carers’ benefit for looking after only one of you, then you can still get a Severe Disability Premium at the single rate.

How do I claim Income Support?

If you are in receipt of the Severe Disability Premium and you think you may be eligible for Income Support, you can make an application by telephoning the Department of Working Pensions on 0800 169 0350. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. 

You can also apply by post by downloading and printing a claim form.

If you think you should have been claiming earlier, your claim can be backed dated up to 3 months.

When should I get advice?

If your Income Support claim is refused or if you disagree with the decision, you can ask the Department of Working Pensions to look at it again. If you still disagree, you may be able to appeal. Timescales can be strict and we recommend that you seek advice as soon as possible.

If you have any questions about Income Support or would like a benefit check, you can telephone CARF on 0345 1400 095, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4pm.
Alternatively, you can use the advice section on our website or contact us by webchat.