Income Support

Income Support is a means-tested benefit for people aged 16 to State Pension age who are on a very low income and are not required to sign on as unemployed. It has largely been replaced by Universal Credit for new claimants, but some people continue to receive it, and understanding it remains important for those still on legacy benefits.

Income Support is typically available to people who are: pregnant, a lone parent with a child under 5, caring for someone who is sick or disabled, or in certain other circumstances that mean they are not expected to look for work. To qualify, you need to be working fewer than 16 hours per week (and your partner fewer than 24 hours), have savings under £16,000, and have a low income.

The basic rate is up to £90.50 per week for a single person aged 25 or over. Additional premiums may be added for disability, caring responsibilities, severe disability, or being a pensioner. Receiving Income Support also provides automatic entitlement to other support including full Housing Benefit, full Council Tax Reduction, free NHS prescriptions and dental treatment, free school meals, and Healthy Start vouchers.

Most new claims for Income Support are no longer accepted — people in similar circumstances now claim Universal Credit instead. However, if you are already receiving Income Support, you can continue until you are migrated to Universal Credit through the managed migration process. During this transition, transitional protection ensures you do not receive less than you were getting on your existing benefits.