Income Support – a guide to claiming

What is Income Support?

Income Support is being phased out. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) intends to move everyone on Income Support to Universal Credit by April 2025. This means you cannot make a new claim for Income Support.

• If you are on a low income and need help with the cost of living you need to apply for Universal Credit
• If you are on Income Support, you will get a migration letter from the DWP explaining how your benefit is changing.

Who is eligible for Income Support?

You will either have no income or be on a low income if you are claiming Income Support. If you need to start a new claim because your circumstances are changing, you will need to apply for Universal Credit instead.

These were the requirements for Income Support:

• You have no more than £16,000 in savings and are living in England, Scotland or Wales. Northern Ireland has a different process
• You work less than 16 hours a week
• If you have a partner, they will be working less than 24 hours a week
• You need to be between 16 and Pension Credit qualifying age

Income Support if you are a parent

Income Support is paid to parents and expectant parents including:

• If you are pregnant
• If you are a single parent
• You have a child under five
• You are a single foster parent with a child under 16
• You are a single person looking after a child under 16 – before they are adopted
• You are a carer
• You are on maternity, paternity or parental leave

If you are sick or unable to work

If you are already on Statutory Sick Pay, Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disablement Allowance, you may be able to claim Universal Credit.

If you are a student

Students who are eligible for Income Support/Universal Credit include:

• Full-time students aged 16 to 20 who are not at university and a parent
• Full-time students aged 16 to 20 who are not at university and not living with a parent or someone acting as a parent
• Refugees learning English can also claim if they are on a course of more than 15 hours a week that started within 12 months of entering the UK

Other eligibility for Income Support

If you were in custody or due to attend court or a tribunal, you could claim Income Support.

You do not need a permanent address to claim Income Support and you can keep claiming if you sleep rough or are living in a hostel or care home.

Income Support and savings

Any income or savings over £5,999 will affect how much benefit you get.

Can I keep claiming Income Support?

Income Support is being phased out and replaced by Universal Credit. This year (2024) the DWP is sending out notices to people claiming legacy benefits including Income Support. These are migration notices and will be sent by the end of December 2025.

Universal Credit migration notices

If you are on Income Support, you will get a Universal Credit Migration Notice letter from the DWP. This will explain what is happening to your benefit. It will also tell you how to make a claim for Universal Credit.

The DWP is also sending out leaflets explaining Universal Credit Migration. These are different from a migration notice. You do not need to do anything until you get a migration notice.

How to apply for Universal Credit

You can no longer apply for Income Support. Instead, you will need to apply for Universal Credit.

Table: Your step-by-step guide to claiming Universal Credit

What information do I need?

You can no longer apply for Income Support. Instead, you will have to apply for Universal Credit. If you are applying for Universal Credit online, you will need your bank, building society or credit union account details. You will also need to have an email address and access to a phone to apply.

You can call the Universal Credit helpline or go to a Jobcentre if you do not have this information.

Identity documents needed to claim Income Support

Income Support accepted a driving licence, passport, debit or credit card, pay slip or P60 as proof of your identity.

Other information needed to apply for Universal Credit

• A breakdown of housing costs, such as rent
• Proof of your earnings
• Evidence of how much you spend on childcare
• Your National Insurance number
• Proof of any disability or health condition that affects your ability to work
• Savings and any investments, such as shares or a property

Do I need an appointment to get Universal Credit?

You may be called into an interview at a Jobcentre or over the phone if more information is needed – for example, to confirm your identity.

Do I need Universal Credit?

If you already get benefits or tax credits, you need to check whether you will be better off if you claim Universal Credit. If you are unsure how your current benefits affect your claim, use a benefits calculator to find out.

When do I get paid Universal Credit

Universal Credit is paid into your bank account every two weeks; this is the basic payment. You may also get additional payments – or ‘premiums’ if you need extra help – for example, if you or your partner are disabled.

Frequently asked questions about Income Support

How much Income Support do I get?

Income Support comes in two payments – a basic payment, which is known as the personal allowance, plus extra payments called ‘premiums’.

What is my personal allowance?

Am I entitled to the Income Support higher rate?

You will get a higher rate – also known as a premium payment – if you or your partner are looking after a child. You also get premium if your partner is a pensioner or you are disabled or a carer.

How does Income Support affect other benefits?

If you are claiming other benefits, your payments may be affected by the benefit cap. This limits the amount of benefit you can get if you are over 16 but under State Pension age.

What happens to Income Support if my circumstances change?

You must always report any changes to your circumstances to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The amount you receive may be adjusted. You will most likely need to apply for Universal Credit instead.

What happens when I move from Income Support to Universal Credit?

If you are still eligible for benefits, you will be able to get Universal Credit. You will continue to get Income Support for two weeks after you start your claim and you do not need to pay this money back.

What happens if I disagree with a decision about Income Support?

You have the right to challenge a decision. If you do dispute a decision, then you are asking for a mandatory reconsideration.

Summary: Income Support – the facts

Income support is a benefit paid to people on a low income or who have no income. It is being replaced by Universal Credit.

Income Support can affect other benefit payments – check with a benefit calculator. You must have less than £5,999 in savings.

You can no longer make a claim for Income Support. If you are claiming income support and your circumstances change, you will need to make a claim for Universal Credit.

Everyone on Income Support will receive a Migration Notice before the end of 2024 to move to Universal Credit.