 |
|
 |
Income Support
|
|
Income Support
What is it?
Income support is a benefit that is paid by the government to people who have no or very little income. Unlike Jobseekers Allowance, Income support can be paid to people who do not have to look for work, such as single parents, carers, and people who are sick.
You can claim Income support providing that you are aged 16 or over, and working less than 16 hours a week.
(Most 16 and 17 year olds will not be eligible, but you may be if you are studying for your ‘A’ levels, a National Diploma, or a BTEC qualification, and you have a dependent child, a severe physical or mental disability, or if you are living away from your parents or guardian).
You must also be living in the UK for the period that you are making the claim, and you must not be claiming Jobseekers Allowance.
When applying for Income support, your levels of income, and your savings will be taken in to consideration. This is because Income support is ‘means tested’, which is where the amount of benefit you receive is affected by your own financial circumstances. You should not have over £6000.00 in savings.
Please also note that if you are living with your partner, their circumstances e.g. age may also affect your claim, so make sure that you take appropriate advice.
How much will I get?
If you claim Income support, the amounts that you can expect to receive are
£34.60 a week for single people aged 16-17
£45.50 a week for single people aged 18-24 (including some 16-17 year olds)
£57.45 a week for single people aged 25 or over.
Couples can expect to receive
A maximum of £68.65 a week, if both people are aged under 18
A maximum of £90.10 a week, if both people are aged 18 or over.
Children, until the day before their 19th Birthday can expect to receive £45.58 a week.
In addition to the above amounts, certain groups of people can claim a little extra to meet extra living costs. They are:
Families can claim an extra £16.25 a week.
If you have a disabled child, you can claim an extra £45.08 a week.
If you are a carer, you are entitled to claim an extra £26.35 a week.
If you are single, and disabled, you can claim an extra £24.50 a week.
If you are a couple, and disabled, you can claim an extra £34.95 a week.
If you are severely disabled, and single, you can claim an extra £46.75 a week.
If you are severely disabled, and a couple, you can claim an extra £93.50 a week.
If you have a small income, and are single, then the first £5.00 of your income is ignored.
If you have a small income, and live as a couple, then the first £10.00 of your income is ignored.
How do I apply?
In order to claim your Income Support, you will need to complete an A1 form.
Where do I apply?
You can get a copy of the A1 claim form at your local Jobcentre plus office.
Alternatively, you can obtain the form A1 from the Department of Work and Pensions website by logging on to www.dwp.gov.uk, or by clicking your mouse on the link below.
Please click here to download the Income Support claim pack (A1)
|
|
|
 |
Search
