Other rules relating to Income Support

Deductions

There is a full disregard for child maintenance payments, meaning any money parents receive from this source is not taken into account when calculating out-of-work benefits or Housing and Council Tax benefits including IS.

Taking industrial action

If you are on strike, you are normally not entitled to IS. However, if you have dependants, you may be able to claim a restricted benefit on their behalf and may get help with housing costs. But any IS to which your family is entitled will have £39.00 assumed strike pay deducted, whether or not you are receiving this. If you are receiving strike pay of more than £39.00 a week, any excess is counted as income and is deducted from the payment.

Help with housing costs

If you receive IS and you own your home, you may — after a waiting period — be entitled to help with mortgage interest payments. You may also qualify for help with loans for repairs and improvements or other housing costs.

If you pay rent to either a social or a private landlord, you should be entitled to Housing Benefit or Local Housing Allowance*. If you are in board and lodgings you may also be entitled to help with the cost of these. You should also be entitled to Council Tax Benefit*.

Other benefits

If you are receiving IS, income-related ESA or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, you are entitled to free NHS prescriptions and free dental care. In addition, your child/children will be entitled to free school meals and a grant for school clothing. They may also be entitled to free school milk in certain circumstances; more information is available at: www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/education_e/education_school_education_ew/help_with_school_costs.htm#School_milk

Parental or paternity leave

If you are taking unpaid parental or paid or unpaid paternity leave and you are entitled to receive Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Local Housing Allowance*, Council Tax Benefit* or Child Tax Credit at a higher rate than the family element, you may be entitled to receive IS. If you are not entitled to one of the benefits listed above and you take unpaid parental leave, you may still be able get IS. Contact Jobcentre Plus to find out whether you are eligible to claim at: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Jobseekers/ContactJobcentrePlus/DG_186347

Partners of IS claimants

The partner of anyone who has been claiming IS for 26 weeks may face compulsory work-focused interviews. The claimant’s benefit could be reduced if, without good reason, their partner does not attend the interview. To claim IS, you should fill in claim form A1 or A1R, available from your local Jobcentre Plus or benefits office or to download at: www.dwp.gov.uk/advisers/claimforms/a1.pdf