Income Support  is a benefit for people aged under 60 living on a low income. If you are aged 60 or over and living on a low income, you will need to claim Pension Credit rather than Income Support. If you qualify for Income Support or Pension Credit, the amount you receive can be increased if you are a carer.

The amount of Income Support or Pension Credit you can claim depends on what is known as your 'applicable amount' (Income Support) or 'appropriate minimum guarantee' (Pension Credit). This is the minimum amount the Government thinks you need to live on. If your income is below this amount, Income Support or Pension Credit will be paid to you to 'top up' your income to that level.

If you are receiving Carer's Allowance or are entitled to it, but don't receive it (because of the overlapping benefits rule), you will qualify for the carer premium (if you get Income Support) or a carer additions (if you get Pension Credit). This is an extra £27.75 a week to be added on to your 'applicable amount' or 'appropriate minimum guarantee' when your Income Support or Pension Credit is worked out.

If you are married or live with someone as if you are, and both of you are carers, the amount could be doubled to £55.50. Once your claim for Carer's Allowance has been agreed, any extra Pension Credit or Income Support you are entitled to should be paid automatically.

Pension Credit is paid in two parts – one is called guarantee credit while the other is called savings credit. Your guarantee credit is worked out according to your minimum guarantee, which will take into account your carer's addition you get with it. Even if you don't get any guarantee credit you may be able to claim savings credit. You must be at least 65 to get the savings credit part of Pension Credit. Carers may get more savings credit.