Income Support

Income Support is extra money to help people on a low income. It's for people not required to sign on as unemployed. Whether you qualify or not and how much you get depends on your circumstances.

To qualify for income support you must be satisfy all the below:-

• Be between age 16 and the age you can get pension credit.
• Work less than 16 hours/week.
• If you have a partner, they must work less than 24 hours/week.
• Not to be in full time education (exceptions apply).
• Pass a means test (be on a low income).
• Have capital/savings below £16,000.

In addition, you must be in one the categories below:-

• Lone parent responsible for a child under 5 years old.
• Certain loan parents adopting or fostering.
• Receiving Carer's Allowance or to be "regularly and substantially" caring for a disabled person.
• Expecting mother 11 weeks before due date and 15 weeks after giving birth.
• Receiving statutory sick pay.

Income support pays a basic amount, but it is known as a "passporting" benefit mean entitlement opens the door to other means tested benefits such as Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, free prescriptions and free school meals. Extra payment can be made based on personal circumstance, for example to carers or those with a disability. In some circumstances you may have to attend a compulsory interview as part of your claim for benefit, and in some cases, if you have a partner who is not working, must can also be interviewed.