Income Support - How much Income Support will I get?

It is complicated to work out how much Income Support you might get. Your income from different sources is added up and compared against what the government considers your needs are. Your needs will depend on your family circumstances, for example:

• How old you are
• If you live alone or in a couple
• Whether you or your dependants are disabled
• If you are caring for someone
• If you or your partner have savings over £6,000
• Any earnings you or your partner may have
• If you have a mortgage.

Use the Turn2us Benefits Calculator if you're still getting Income Support to find out how much you may be entitled to as the amount can vary from one person to another.

Benefit Cap

Income Support is included in the Benefit Cap which limits the total amount in some benefits that working-age people can receive. See our Benefit Cap information page for more details.

How will I be paid Income Support?

Income Support will be paid directly into your Bank, Building Society or through the Payment Exception Service if you are unable to open or manage one of these or a similar account.

You can choose to be paid weekly in advance, or every 4 or 13 weeks in arrears.

Income Support and other benefits

Income Support is not taken into account as income when calculating other benefits and tax credits.

If you get Income Support and are eligible for Housing Benefit, you are automatically entitled to get the maximum Housing Benefit for your circumstances.

Cold Weather Payment (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)

If you get Income Support, you may also qualify for a Cold Weather Payment.

You do not need to make a claim as the payment will be made automatically for each qualifying period of cold weather. See our Cold Weather Payment guide for further details.

Winter Heating Payment (Scotland)

If you get Income Support, you may also qualify for a Winter Heating Payment.

You do not need to make a claim if you qualify as the payment will be made automatically. You can find more information about Winter Heating Payment on Scottish Government website.