To qualify for Income Support you must be able to answer yes to ALL of the following questions.

Are you:

• Between 16 years old and Pension Credit Qualifying age?
• Pregnant or a carer or a lone parent with a child under 5 years old or unable to work because you’re sick or disabled?
• On a low income or no income? (NB if you have a partner, their income and savings will be taken into account)
• Working fewer than 16 hours each week? (NB if you have a partner they must be working no more than 24 hours a week)
• A resident of England, Scotland or Wales? (NB different rules apply in Northern Ireland)

The amount of Income Support you’ll receive will depend on your circumstances.

If you have children and are entitled to receive Income Support, you can also claim Child Tax Credit. If you’re on a low income and would like to know how much you’re entitled, you can use a Benefits Calculator to work it out.

You won’t qualify for Income Support if you:

• Have savings of more than £16,000
• Need permission to enter the UK
• Receive Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance
• Are a young person under the care of a local authority

Please note:

You will need a bank account to receive payments, which are usually made every 2 weeks.

You do not need a permanent address to claim, and you can still receive payments if you sleep rough, live in a hostel or care home.

You may still qualify if you’re carrying out voluntary work or if you are on parental leave.

If you are a single parent, you will be required to attend an interview with a personal adviser as a compulsory condition of entitlement.

The quickest way to claim Income Support is to apply by phone.

If you require more information contact your local Jobcentre or Citizens Advice Bureau.

Alternatively, ask other single parents for advice or support on the following websites:

• Coffeehouse
• Mumsnet
• DadInfo
• The Parent Connection