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This is a means-tested benefit for people on a low income, aged between 16 and the age at which they can claim Pension Credit|. It’s intended to cover basic living expenses.
Income Support is for people who don’t have to sign on as unemployed, such as carers and single parents with young children. If you're unemployed and looking for work, you can claim Jobseeker’s Allowance instead.
You can claim Income Support if your savings are worth £16,000 or less. The value of your home is usually ignored. Normally, you can’t get Income Support if you work more than 16 hours a week (or if your partner works more than 24 hours a week). If you receive Income Support, the amount won’t be reduced if you or your partner claim Disability Living Allowance| or Attendance Allowance| - in fact, you may become eligible for more.
Many factors will be taken into account when you claim Income Support. They include:
These are payments for living expenses for you and your partner. If you have dependant children, you should claim Child Tax Credit| as well.
This is an extra amount that's paid because of special circumstances, for example, being a carer or having a disability.
Income Support can help with mortgage interest payments|. Income Support also acts as a ‘passport’ to other benefits, such as free school meals|, free prescriptions|, full Housing Benefit| and Council Tax Benefit| and certain payments from the Social Fund|.
Call Jobcentre Plus| on 0800 055 6688, textphone 0800 023 4888, or download a claim form from the DirectGov website|.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.
Talk to a benefits adviser in your area, find out if you are eligible for benefits or grants or ask Macmillan about any money worries you might have.
Order a copy of our guide for employers and people living with cancer from our be.Macmillan| site. The booklet covers employment rights and coping with the effects of treatment at work.
This booklet is for anyone who is working, either full or part-time, while caring for someone with cancer. You can order a copy from our be.Macmillan| website.