Universal Credit
If you're on a low income or you're out of work, you might be able to claim Universal Credit to boost your income.
Income Support
Income Support is a benefit for people on a low income to help them with their living costs. You can't make a new claim for Income Support because it's being replaced by Universal Credit.
What is Income Support?
Income Support is a benefit to help people on a low income with their living costs. It can be paid to carers, lone parents with a child under the age of five or lone foster parents of a child under 16.
If you already claim Income Support, you can continue to do so, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. But it's no longer possible to make a new claim for Income Support - you'll be moved over to Universal Credit instead.
When will Income Support change to Universal Credit?
Income Support is being replaced by Universal Credit, with the aim that everyone will be moved to Universal Credit before April 2026.
If you're on a low income and need help with your living costs, you can apply for Universal Credit instead.
Am I eligible for claim Income Support?
If you already get Income Support, you'll continue to get it if you meet the eligibility criteria:
- you have no income or a low income, and no more than £16,000 in savings
- you’re not in full-time paid work
- you’re between 16 and State Pension age
- you live in England, Scotland or Wales – there are different rules for Northern Ireland.
How do I contact Income Support
There are a couple of ways you can get in touch with JobCenter Plus about Income Support. You can:
- write to them using the address on the letter that you've received from them
- call them on 0800 169 0310 (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm).
We're here to help
You can call our free Advice Line on 0800 678 1602, open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.
If you're experiencing a medical emergency or need urgent mental or physical health support, please call 999 or NHS 111.
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