We want to make it as simple as possible for you to understand what financial support is available to you and your child.
The information below summarises what you need to know about Income support, Carer's Allowance and Severe Disability Benefit. If you require more information please follow the links.
Children under 16 years
- If your child is under 16 years old they will not qualify for Income Support, but may qualify for financial help to buy any special equipment they need.
- Your child may, however, qualify for Severe Disability Benefit. If they do, you may qualify for Carer's Allowance.Follow the link for more information severe disability benefit
Children over 16 years
- When your child is 16 years old and has reached school-leaving age, they may be entitled to income support. Follow the link for more information income support
- They may also qualify for Severe Disability Benefit. If they do, you may qualify for Carer's Allowance. Follow the link for more information severe disability benefit.
What is Severe Disability Benefit?
- Severe Disability Benefit is a weekly benefit intended for adults and children who have a physical or mental impairment (disability) and need a lot of attention or supervision by day or night.
- Please follow the link for more information severe disability benefit or call the helpline on 732506
- If you need assistance completing the form, ask your healthcare professional or social worker .
What is Carer's Allowance?
- If you are over 18 and caring for a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours a week, you may be entitled to get the Carers allowance. For more information follow the link. carers allowance.
- The Carer's Allowance claim form can be downloaded on this page.
What is Income Support?
- Income support can provide a weekly cash benefit to bring your household income up to a level which the States believes is enough to live on. The amount of benefit you receive is calculated on a weekly basis with reference to your household income.
- For more information follow the link income support. You can also phone the Income support helpline on 732508.
Changes in Circumstances
- People receiving Income Support, Severe Disability Benefit, or Carer's Allowance must report changes in their circumstances to Social Security. Follow the link for more information income support or severe disability benefit
What happens when I get in touch about an Income Support Claim?
- If you need help completing a form, but if you cannot visit the office because of incapacity or general illness, the Visiting Officers will visit you in your own home to help you. They will call to arrange a convenient time to see you at home. All Visiting Officers carry an identity card, just ask to see it.
- You can speak to a Visiting Officer by calling 732447.
What will the Visiting Officer do when they visit me?
- To make sure you are receiving the correct amount of Income Support, the Visiting Officer will ask about your finances or personal life.
- They will only ask for information that they need to process your claim.
How do benefits get paid?
- Benefit is normally paid on a weekly basis directly into your bank account.
- If you do not have a bank account, you will need to visit a bank and ask to open an account. Basic bank accounts are available from a number of banks. Follow the link for more information income support
How do benefits get worked out?
- Income Support is intended to top up your income so that you have enough to live on.
- Your weekly expenses are worked out according to the size of your household, your rent/mortgage costs and the age of your partner (if applicable) and any dependent children. Follow the link for more information income support
What if I am not happy with the decision on my claim?
- First, discuss your case with someone who can help you understand why the decision was made.
- Please contact the relevant benefit's helpline. Call 732506 to discuss Severe Disability Benefit or Carer's Allowance claims. For Income support claims call 732508.
- If you wish to make an appeal it has to be submitted in writing to the Clerk to the Social Insurance Tribunal at Sir Charles Frossard House within 28 days of the Administrator's decision (usually the date of the decision letter).
Will Income Support pay my child minding fees?
- If you are working and claiming, your Income support may subsidise the cost of your childcare. To find out more information follow the link income support
What will Income Support pay for?
- It may be possible for your Income support to help you with some of your bills. You should talk to your Visiting Officer about what you might be entitled to. This might include: medical costs, ambulance cover, dentistry, opticians fees, orthodontic treatment. Follow the link for more information income support
Will my claim be reviewed?
- Yes, at least once every year your claim for income support will be reviewed to ensure you are still being paid at the correct rate.
- Review periods for Severe Disability Benefit and Carer's Allowance vary according to the circumstances of each individual case.
Other benefits
- To check whether you are entitled to any other benefits, the Visiting Officer may direct you to other services.