how long does it usually take to receive income support after applying for it??

[cafebistro]

Well I've found myself as a single mum after my partner and I separated. Ive applied for income support for the time being until I get on my feet as my youngest DC is 2yo. How long does it usually take to sort out? I applied over the phone last week and returned the signed forms yesterday. Will it be weeks? I'm completely skint

Hi cafe

I claimed income support 2 years ago. As far as I remember, it took no more than a couple of weeks from start to finish. Once the paperwork is done, they seem quick to pay out iyswim.

Sorry if you already have this covered but just checking if you have claimed everything else? I am on income support and currently also get child tax credit (you may be entitiled to more than before, worth ringing them), also you can change your tax credit to weekly if you havent already done so. I also get child benefit and housing and council tax benefit.

Income support is what they call a passport benefit (iirc), and it means that you qualify for full housing and council tax benefit, that's if you are in rented house. Also you can get 25% discount on your council tax if you are the only adult in the house.

Once your income support comes through, you can apply for free school dinners for the kids, which helps a lot too!

Hope that helps

x

I've just switched to income support from jobseekers thanks to being pregnant. Claimed over the phone before Christmas, and had an appointment on the 28th to go in and sign the form. Then went and told Housing Benefit about having moved house. HB is on a five day promise thing here; letter confirming HB arrived the same day as letter confirming IS. So, five working days between them receiving the signed form and it all being sorted.

That said, when I was signing the form I asked how long it might take and was told they didn't have a clue, couldn't even guess, and couldn't even speculate on whether it might be a week or a month.

Thanks for the replies.
Humpty - I have also applied for HB and CTB. I contacted tax credits about changing my claim to a single parent one.

Thanks