1. Can I get a supplementary
allowance? ·
Yes, if:
you are aged 16 or over; and
you do not have enough money to meet your needs.
You cannot get a supplementary allowance if:
you are working full time; or
you are a married woman living with your husband; or you are still in full-time secondary or other non-advanced education (or in term-time if you are in higher education).
If you are a pensioner ask at the local social security office for leaflet SB8 which is about pensions.
If you are unemployed you may find leaflet SL8 useful-ask for it at your Unemployment Benefit Office.
2. How is my supplementary allowance worked
out?
Supplementary allowance is paid on top of any other money you may have so that you can meet your weekly needs. It includes something for rent and rates, or mortgage interest and rates if you are buying your house. To work it out:
First add up the money you get each week (see paragraphs 6 and 7). Then add together your weekly needs:
the fixed amount that applies to you (see paragraph 3)
the weekly amount of your "rent" (see paragraphs 4 and 5)
any special expenses (see paragraph 6).
If the money you are getting each week is less than your weekly needs then you will probably get a supplementary allowance.
3. But how do they know what I need?
Fixed amounts of money have been set to cover your daily living expenses, like food, heat and light, clothing, footwear and small household items. These amounts do not include rent-what you pay in rent is added on-nor do they cover major items of bedding, etc.
When you have received supplementary benefit for a total of 2 years or more and you are not unemployed, the higher amounts in the second column may apply.
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