Many people have heard of Income Support, but there is often confusion about whether it still exists and who can receive it. Understanding how the benefit works is important if you are looking for financial help or supporting someone who may qualify.
This guide explains what Income Support is, who can still claim it, how much you could receive, the rules on income and savings, how to apply if you are eligible, and what benefits may now replace it for most people.
Everything in this guide has been written using plain English to help you make informed decisions about your finances.
What is Income Support?
Income Support is a means tested benefit designed to help people on a low income who are not required to sign on as unemployed. It has largely been replaced by Universal Credit for new claims across the UK. However, some people who claimed Income Support before Universal Credit was introduced may still receive it if their circumstances have not changed significantly. New claims are only possible in very limited situations.
Income Support is a financial benefit provided by the UK Government to help people with low incomes meet their everyday living costs.
Unlike some other benefits, Income Support was intended for people who were not expected to actively seek work because of caring responsibilities or other qualifying circumstances.
Today, most people needing financial support are expected to claim Universal Credit instead. Existing Income Support claimants may continue receiving payments until their claim ends or they are moved to Universal Credit through the Government migration programme.
Income Support can also act as a gateway to additional financial support, including help with housing costs, NHS costs and certain grants.
Only a small number of people can still receive Income Support.
Most current recipients are people who made successful claims several years ago and have remained eligible ever since.
Historically, Income Support was available to people including:
If you need financial support today and do not already receive Income Support, you will usually need to apply for Universal Credit instead.
To remain entitled, you generally need to continue meeting the conditions that applied when your claim began.
Eligibility usually depends on:
The Government regularly reviews entitlement, and any significant change in circumstances may affect payments.
| Circumstance | Possible Outcome |
|---|---|
| Existing Income Support claimant | May continue receiving Income Support |
| New applicant needing financial support | Usually directed to Universal Credit |
| Carer meeting qualifying conditions | May qualify depending on circumstances |
| Change in household circumstances | Benefit may change or end |
Yes.
Income Support is means tested, meaning your income is assessed before deciding how much you can receive.
The Department for Work and Pensions considers income from several sources, including:
Some types of income are ignored or only partly counted during the assessment.
The lower your assessed income, the greater your potential entitlement may be.
Yes.
Savings and capital are taken into account.
Different rules apply depending on the amount of money you have saved.
Generally speaking:
| Savings | Effect |
| Lower levels of savings | Usually have little or no effect |
| Moderate savings | May reduce entitlement |
| Higher savings | May prevent entitlement altogether |
Savings can include:
Some forms of capital may be ignored depending on your circumstances.
The amount varies depending on your personal circumstances.
Your payment depends on factors including:
Additional amounts may have been included for some long term claimants under older benefit rules.
Because payment rates change periodically, it is important to check current Government guidance for the latest figures.
In most cases, no.
Most people cannot make a new Income Support claim because Universal Credit has replaced it.
If you believe you may fall within one of the limited exceptions, contact the Department for Work and Pensions before making an application.
If you are making a new claim for financial support, you will usually be directed to apply for Universal Credit.
| Step | What Happens |
| Check eligibility | Confirm whether Income Support or Universal Credit applies |
| Gather documents | Prepare evidence of identity, income and savings |
| Submit application | Complete the correct benefit application |
| Assessment | Government reviews your circumstances |
| Decision | You receive a written decision |
Having the correct documents can help prevent delays.
You may be asked for:
Providing complete information helps ensure your claim is processed as quickly as possible.
Many problems occur because important information is not reported.
Common mistakes include:
Keeping your information up to date helps prevent overpayments and delays.
Sarah has received Income Support for several years while caring for a disabled relative.
Because her circumstances have not changed and she continues meeting the qualifying conditions, she remains entitled until her claim is reviewed or migrated to Universal Credit.
David recently lost his job and wants financial support.
Although he has heard about Income Support, he cannot usually make a new claim. Instead, he applies for Universal Credit.
Amira’s income increases after starting part time work.
She reports the change immediately. Her entitlement is reassessed and adjusted according to the current rules.
Yes.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also qualify for:
Each benefit has its own qualifying rules.
This article has been prepared using current UK Government guidance relating to Income Support and associated welfare benefits.
Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, benefit rules change regularly.
Always confirm your individual entitlement using the latest official Government guidance before making financial decisions or submitting an application.
Income Support still exists for some existing claimants, but most new applicants must claim Universal Credit instead.
In almost all cases, no. Universal Credit has replaced Income Support for new claims.
Yes. Your income and savings are assessed before entitlement is decided.
Income Support itself does not usually cover housing costs directly. You may receive separate help depending on your circumstances.
Some limited work may be allowed under certain rules, but earnings can affect your entitlement.
Yes. Higher savings can reduce or prevent entitlement.
You must tell the Department for Work and Pensions as soon as possible. Changes could affect your payments.
No. Income Support is generally not taxable.
Some carers who qualified under previous rules may still receive Income Support if they remain eligible.
For most people, Universal Credit has replaced Income Support.
In some circumstances, yes. Personal Independence Payment is not means tested and serves a different purpose.
Most existing claimants are expected to move to Universal Credit as part of the Government migration programme.
Useful sources of official information include:
Always rely on official guidance when making financial decisions or submitting benefit applications.
Income Support remains an important part of the history of the UK benefits system, but it is now available only to a limited number of existing claimants. Most people seeking financial help today will need to apply for Universal Credit instead.
Understanding the eligibility rules, income assessments and savings limits can help you identify the most appropriate support available. If your circumstances change, reporting those changes promptly can prevent delays, overpayments or interruptions to your benefits.
Whether you are supporting yourself, caring for someone else or helping a family member understand the benefits system, staying informed through trusted guidance is the best way to ensure you receive the support you are entitled to.
Benefits Advice UK provides free information to help people better understand the UK benefits system. Always check the latest Government guidance before making financial decisions.
Information on this site is based on official UK guidance.
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