Marriage but living separately

KyrieS

Without going into too much detail, I am trying to find out if/how my UC entitlement would change if I were to get married but not yet living with my husband.

Due to circumstances, we've had to put our wedding on hold & me leave the family home with 3/4 children. The eventual plan is my partner & daughter will join us once I am settled into a new home & my 17yo leaves home once she turns 18.

My C-PTSD & EUPD has been majorly affected since I left and my partner suggested us getting married to possibly ease some of the insecurities & brain worms bothering me.

Until my 17yo leaves, he cannot move in so we are currently running 2 homes - separate bills, council tax, I also get the housing element of UC - our finances are totally separate & the only money he sends me is for child maintenance. Without UC support I won't be able to manage the home by myself.

If we were to get married, would UC consider us a couple? He earns a considerable amount more than me but it wouldn't be enough for us to live if I was to lose my UC.

poppy123456

Getting married will not affect your UC. Living together is what counts and once you do then you will need to report the changes and your partner will also need to start a claim and both claims will be linked together. Entitlement will then be based on your joint circumstances.