Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance are usually totally ignored. Some other types of income, e.g. certain payments received from charities, can be ignored in full or in part. The annuity paid to the holder of a Victoria Cross is ignored totally. Maintenance payments and most other types of income are counted in full. If the claimant, or their partner, has more than 8,000 in capital assets, they cannot get Income Support.
Capital assets mean savings, investments or property other than their home.
However, some assets, e.g. property occupied by an aged relative, can be ignored. Both parents, whether married or not, are liable to maintain their children up to the age of 16, or 19 if the children are on an approved course of higher education. If someone gives a written undertaking to be responsible for the maintenance and accommodation of an immigrant, they must look after that person. If the sponsored immigrant claims the Income Support the Secretary of State can enforce these responsibilities by applying for a Court Order against the responsible relative or sponsor. On 5 April 1993 the Child Support Agency took over the assessment, collection, review and enforcement of maintenance for children.