Income Support for people under 60

Income Support, for people under 60, is a means-tested benefit which is intended to help with basic weekly living costs for you and your family. When you and/or your partner reach 60 you may be able to get Pension Credit instead. Income is paid to people who do not have to sign on for work, for example people who can't work because they are carers of people who are sick or disabled.

If you are below pensionable age you may wish to consider Job Seekers Allowance or Working Tax Credit, contact your local Job Centre or www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk

Benefits for widows and widowers

Bereavement benefits are available to both men and women under pension age. These depend on the National Insurance contributions of the person who has died, unless they died as a result of an industrial accident or prescribed industrial disease. Someone over pension age can only get the lump sum Bereavement Payment if their husband or wife had not reached pension age or had not started drawing their state pension.

When you reach pension age you may be able to claim a Retirement Pension based on your late spouse's contributions or, use his or her record to increase any pension you are entitled to in your own right.

Incapacity benefit

Incapacity benefit is paid to people who are unable to work because they are sick or disabled and is normally based on National Insurance contributions. It is not usually means-tested but may be reduced if you have a personal or occupational pension.

Carer's Allowance

Carer's Allowance is paid to people who are caring for someone who receives the top or middle rate part of DLA or any rate of Attendance Allowance. You must be caring for this person for at least 35 hours a week and not earning a certain amount a week.

If you are getting another benefit or pension you may not be able to get Carer's Allowance as well but you could have your benefits increased. Sometimes the person you care for may lose money if you claim Carer's Allowance. Seek advice before you make a claim.

For further information please Contact Information and Advice.