Income support
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
If you are not available for full-time work, and you do not have enough money to live on, you may be able to claim income support.
Income support is there to ensure that no-one's income is below a certain minimum amount, if you are eligible, the amount you receive will depend on your circumstances.
Am I eligible?
In order to be eligible for income support you must be aged between 16 and 59, and in one of the following situations:
- you are a lone parent
- you are registered sick and disabled
- you are a student and either a lone parent or disabled
- you are caring for somebody who is sick or disabled
- you are ill due to pregnancy, or the baby is due within 11 weeks
- you are appealing against a decision that you are fit for work, and
- you are not in full-time study.
In addition to the above you will need to:
- have savings of less than £16,000
- be out of work, or working less than 16 hours a week.
If you are on a low income you may also be entitled to income support, if:
- you are ill and the level of statutory sick pay which you receive is lower than the amount of income support you would otherwise be entitled to
- you or your civil partner are not working because of parental leave
- you are on paternity leave.
If you are still at school, you may be able to get income support if you are:
- not living with your parents or being supported by them
- looking after your own child
- unable to work because of a severe disability
- a refugee learning English
- at serious risk of abuse or violence.
You will not be eligible for income support if:
- or your partner or civil partner works on average 24 hours a week or more
- or if you are in receipt of Jobseeker’s allowance
- you are subject to immigration control.
Other help if you are receiving income support
If you receive income support you will also be entitled to the following:
- free dental care
- free prescriptions
- free school meals
- housing benefit
- council tax benefit
- cold weather payment
- free NHS sight tests and vouchers towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses.
Where can I get more information about income support?
You can find more information, or make an online claim, by visiting the Directgov website. If you have problems with your claim, contact a local advice centre. Many of Shelter's services can help with benefit issues as well as housing. Use our directory to find an advice agency in your local area.
