Vulnerable welfare payment recipients

If you have been referred by a social worker

A social worker will refer you if they believe enhanced Income Management can help you and your family.

How long you are on enhanced Income Management depends on your situation. A social worker notice is usually for a period of 12 months. They will review your progress from time to time. Depending on the result, enhanced Income Management may end early or continue.

If you are a vulnerable young person

You can be on enhanced Income Management if you are not a full time student, apprentice or currently volunteering for enhanced Income Management and one of these apply:

• you get the Unreasonable to Live At Home payment rate
• you are younger than 16 and get a Special Benefit payment
• you are younger than 25, released from prison and had a Crisis Payment.

What happens to your money

You will get the same amount of payment, but in a different way.

50% of your payments and 100% of any advance and most lump sum payments will go to your enhanced Income Management account. You can access this money with a SmartCard.

The rest of your payment goes to your regular bank account.

Exclusions from enhanced Income Management

You may be able to get an exclusion from enhanced Income Management.

If you’re excluded, enhanced Income Management stops for 12 months unless your circumstances change.

You cannot be excluded from enhanced Income Management if a social worker referred you.

Read more about exclusions from enhanced Income Management or call the SmartCard eIM hotline.

Reviews and appeals

If you do not agree with a decision we make, you have the right to appeal. Read about reviews and appeals.