What is Income Support?
Income support is a means-tested benefit. It is available to people that are not in full-time work. If you work 16 hours or less or your partner works less than 24 hours a week, you may be entitled to claim.
How is Income Support calculated?
Income Support is calculated by looking at your applicable amount. This term is used to define the level of income support paid to an individual or family. The calculation is based on your age, marital status and any children. Additional amounts can be added to the calculation for family members who are in ill health or who are disabled. Applicable amounts are set each year by the Government and it is the lowest amount that a person should be expected to live on.
Am I entitled to Income Support?
Income Support is paid to people who are not in full-time work, who are over 16, who have less than £8000 savings and who are resident in the UK. It can be paid to people who are unable to work due to illness, childcare responsibilities or because they are caring for someone; it is also available to some students and some people on training courses. The best way to check if you are entitled is to make a claim.
How do I make a claim for Income Support?
Claim forms are available from Job Centre Plus offices, the Department of Work and Pensions Web site or your local social work office. The claim form asks for details of income and other benefits. You may be required to provide original documents such as a marriage certificate or wage slips.
What is Pension Credit?
The Pension Credit is a new benefit which has two parts, the guarantee credit and the savings credit. The guarantee credit replaces Income Support for people over 60 and is intended to help with basic living expenses. It guarantees an income of £102.10 for a single person and £155.80 for a couple a week. It is available for people who are not in full-time work and who are resident in the UK. Unlike Income Support there is no upper savings limit. There is an additional payment called savings credit which is available for pensioners who are over 65 who have put money aside for their retirement.
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How do I make a claim for Pension Credit?
Claims can be made by phoning the Pension Service on 0800 99 1234, textphone 0800 169 0133. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8:00am to 8:00pm and Saturday 9:00am to 1:00pm. There is also an online form that can be completed on the
Pension Service web site. Forms will also be available from your local social work office.
What if I am refused Income Support or Pension Credit?
You will receive a decision on your claim from Job Centre Plus or the Pension Service. You then have one month to submit an appeal against their decision. If you feel you are entitled and wish to appeal ask for an appeal form or seek assistance at your local social work office.
What about free prescriptions?
You will be exempt from these and other charges (including dental treatment and eye tests) if you or a member of your family receive income support. If you do not receive income support, you may still receive help with some of these items if you have a low income, are over 60, or have a specific health problem. To apply on low income grounds complete form HC1 (from DWP office or post office) and return to the Health Benefits Division.
Can I get any other help?
Income support allows access to items such as free milk and vitamins, help with fares to hospital, loans and grants from the social fund and free school meals.
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