IS20 - A guide to Income Support

Other social security benefits you may get

Healthy Start

Healthy Start provides weekly vouchers to buy milk, fresh fruit and vegetables or infant formula milk at participating retailers.  It also offers free vitamin supplements.  

Healthy Start is for pregnant women and young children in families getting qualifying benefits.  It is also for any pregnant woman under 18 years old even if not getting any benefits.

If you are getting Income Support you can apply for Healthy Start if you are:

• More than 10 weeks pregnant
• Have a child under 4 years old

To apply you need to complete the application form that is included in the Healthy Start application leaflet (HS01). Pick up a copy from your GP surgery or order one on 08701 555 455.  Local Job Centre Plus offices may also have a stock.  You can also find out more information about Healthy Start, and download an application form from www.healthystart.nhs.uk. 

Application forms must be countersigned by a health professional - usually your midwife or health visitor.

National Health Service charges

If you get Income Support you are entitled to:

• free NHS prescriptions
• free NHS dental treatment
• free NHS sight tests (you do not have to be in receipt of benefits in Scotland to get a free NHS sight check).
• vouchers towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses
• repayment of necessary travel costs to receive NHS treatment under the care of a consultant
• free NHS wigs and fabric supports

More information

See the NHS leaflet “Help with Health Costs” for more information and to find out whether you are eligible. You can get it from Jobcentre Plus offices, Jobcentres, social security offices and NHS hospitals. Some GP surgeries, pharmacies and dentists may also have them. Or phone 08701 55 45.

People who are not entitled to Income Support and who are on a low income may be eligible for help with their health costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme. For further information, get leaflet HC11 "Help with health costs". Leaflet HC11 (HCS1 in Scotland) is also available on the Department of Health’s website at www.dh.gov.uk/helpwithhealthcosts

Assisted prison visits scheme

Getting Income Support means that you normally can get help with the cost of travel to visit a close relative or partner in prison. Get form VA001P from your Jobcentre Plus office or social security office or the prison you are visiting or the Assisted Prison Visits Unit, telephone 0845 300 1423, ask for Customer Services (10.15–11.45 and 14.15–15.45 Monday–Friday). If you have speech or hearing difficulties, a textphone service is available on 0845 304 0800.

Other benefits

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