Looking for advice on benefits and marriage

jminton90
jminton90 Community member Posts: 1 Listener
Hi, first time poster here!

My partner and I are thinking of getting married and moving in together but trying to work out in advance how much this might affect my benefits. I have used the online calculators but can't seem to work it out!

I'm on universal credit with the additional part of limited capability to work due to disability. I receive housing benefit of £300 per month. I also get ESA which is deducted from my UC each month. In total inclusive of everything I've mentioned I receive around £925 per month.

I don't claim any other benefits, haven't managed to be accepted for PIP despite having tumours in my legs and limited mobility but that's another story! I'm also aware that we would probably have to pay council tax but still unsure over that too!

My partner works full time so I'm imagining there will be an impact if we move in together and get married but would love some advice on if it's possible that my monthly amount would drop considerably? As mentioned I have tried to use online calculators but as I'm on a mix of UC and ESA and also have the limited capability I can't work it out!

Many thanks for reading and I'd appreciate any advice!

Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 59,054 Championing
    Unless you're living in either supported or temporary housing then your rent will be paid in with your UC known as housing element. Housing benefit is a completely different benefit.

    Getting married has no impact on any of your benefits, living together, whether married or not will impact your UC.

    If you move in with your partner then you will need to report a change of circumstances for UC. You will then be sent a linking code. Your partner will need to make a claim for UC theirself and then use the linking code to join both claims together. Your UC will then be based on your joint circumstances.

    If you have savings/capital of more than £16,000 you're excluded from claiming. You will have the work allowance, which means £379/month of earnings received will be ignored before the 55% deduction applies.

    Whether there's any entitlement will depend on your joint circumstances. Your New style ESA will not be affected because it's not means tested. Therefore, even if there's no entitlement to UC then you'll still have the £129.50/week for your ESA.

    If you're claiming council tax reduction you'll also need to report the changes for that. If you're currently claiming single person discount this will also end.
  • calcotti
    calcotti Community member Posts: 10,005 Championing
    edited July 2023
    Deleted - i misread opening post