IS20 - A guide to Income Support

Who can get Income Support?

People without accommodation

If you are sleeping rough you can still claim Income Support. You will be able to get your Income Support personal allowance but you will not be entitled to any premiums. The decision maker at your Jobcentre Plus office or social security office may do the following if you do not have an address: [Legislation (24)]

• you may be paid your Income Support, that is you will be treated as sleeping rough (see below).

Sleeping rough

If you have found nowhere to live or do not wish to find somewhere, you will be paid only your personal allowance. If you are part of a couple, you will receive a couple’s personal allowance. If you find accommodation you should tell the Jobcentre Plus office or social security office.

In London help is available from the London Homeless Services Team on 020 7200 6362.

People living in hostels

If you are a hostel resident eligible for Income Support, you may receive help with your accommodation charges through the Housing Benefit scheme (which is administered by local councils). Your personal needs and those of your partner are met from Income Support. This is made up from the same types of basic allowances and premiums that other Income Support claimants get.

If you made a claim on or after 06/04/04 you must claim Child Tax Credit to receive payment for your children.

People living in care homes

The community care arrangements came into effect on 1 April 1993. Since then, people who need financial assistance to enter a care home must seek that assistance from their local authority Social Services Department (Social Work Department in Scotland).

The local authority will assess your care needs and, if you need to be in a care home, will find you a place in a home or help you choose one. They will pay for your placement but will assess your ability to contribute to the cost.

You can claim Income Support under the same rules as when you lived at home. See leaflet GL23 Social security benefit rates for the current rates. [Legislation (25)]

More information

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