Income Support Information

Please note:

If you are working age or in a couple where both are working age, you are no longer able to make a new claim for Income Support. In most cases, if you want to make a new claim, you will need to claim Universal Credit instead. You may also need to claim Universal Credit if you experience a change in circumstances.

If you are a mixed age couple (one is working age and one is pension age), if you are not receiving Pension Credit and you want to make a new claim, you will need to claim Universal Credit. For further information see our 'mixed age couples' help page.

If you tell us you are currently receiving Income Support we will work out how much you should be entitled to. So you can see how moving to Universal Credit could affect your entitlements we will also show what you might be entitled to under Universal Credit on the results page if you are eligible.

The information below remains for people who are still claiming Income Support.

What is it?

Income Support is a means-tested benefit for people who are not working (or only working part-time). Special rules allow some carers to claim even if they are working full-time. Income Support can include help with the cost of your mortgage or home loan. For more information see help with housing costs.

Can I get it?

Income Support is being replaced by Universal Credit. If you have to make a new claim then you will need to claim Universal Credit instead of Income Support.