Income support
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. This page applies to England only. 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 be 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.
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:
- you work on average more than 16 hours a week
- 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 agencies in your local area.
