Income Support is extra money to help people on a low income who are not working (or only working part-time). It’s for people who don't have to sign on as unemployed. Whether you qualify or not and how much you get depends on your circumstances.
The government determines which kind of people it expects to be actively seeking work and which not. People who the government thinks should be actively seeking work have to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance rather than Income Support.
Please get more information on Income Support rules as they apply to you:
It's for people who all the following apply to:
You may get Income Support if you are one of the following:
Young people in relevant education may also get Income Support. Generally this means full-time education up to GCE A-level or Scottish Certificate of Education (Higher level). This might apply if you:
The rules about who can get Income Support are complicated. To see the full guidance provided to advisers see DWP's technical guidance on Income Support.
Benefit rates and the means test are identical for Income Support and Jobseekers Allowance.
The amount of Income Support you will receive depends on your circumstances, your income and your savings. Please continue through the calculator for an estimate.
If you receive Income Support you may be able to get help with the cost of your mortgage and other home loans. For more information see help with housing costs.