How does cohabiting/marriage affect benefits?

sky982

Hi everyone,

I was just wondering if anyone could tell me how my benefits would be affected if I cohabit with a partner or get married, or both.

I am currently on PIP - higher rates for both components and Universal Credit LWCRA. If I were to cohabit/marry a partner who is employed and not on benefits, as I understand it PIP would be unaffected but Universal Credit is dependant on how much your partner earns?

Thanks

poppy123456

If you live with a partner, regardless of whether you're married or not then you will need to report a change of circumstances on your journal and tell them you're living with a partner. You will then be sent a linking code. Your partner will then need to make a claim for UC their self and use the linking code you were sent to join both claims together.

Entitlement will then depend on your joint circumstances. As you have LCWRA then you'll be entitled to the work allowance, which means a certain amount of earnings received each month will be ignored before the 55% deductions apply. If you claim for help with the rent the work allowance will be £344, if you don't then it's £573.

If your partner looks after you for at least 35 hours per week then they can claim carers element of UC. If you have savings/capital of more than £16,000 then you'll be excluded from claiming. ( this includes any savings your partner may have)

Use a benefits calculator to check entitlement. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/Intro/Home?cid=f2caf5f3-2f22-4ccd-bd31-f28f24e20ea6

As you correctly said, PIP isn't affected. If you're claiming any Council Tax reduction then this will be affected. If you're currently claiming single person discount this will also end.