What is Income Support?

Income Support is available to residents of the United Kingdom who are on a low income, and qualified savings. You must have less than £16,000 in savings. Any savings over £6000 affect how much Income Support can be received. You must be between the ages of 16 and 59, working less than 16 hours per week and have a valid reason why you cannot actively seek work.

Support is available to UK residents who cannot seek employment.

The weekly personal allowances for single people (as of April 2008) are £47.95 for ages 16-24, and £60.50 for ages 25 and over. If you are applying as a couple, and are both over the age of 18, you an receive £94.95 A claimant may be able to get Income Support while in school or higher education if they are disabled, not living with or being supported by their parents, looking after their own child, or are orphaned and are not being looked after by anyone.

Income Support can help pay towards mortgage interest costs for home-owners if they qualify. Income Support and Incapacity Benefits will be replaced on October 27, 2008 by Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), for new customers only.

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