What can I claim if my partner works and I don't?

When one partner works and the other doesn't, the household may still be eligible for various forms of financial support, primarily through benefits designed to top up income or cover specific costs. The key benefit to consider in such a situation is Universal Credit.

What Can I Claim If My Partner Works and I Don't?

If your partner works and you don't, your household may still be eligible for financial support, with Universal Credit often being the primary benefit to consider. Other benefits like Child Benefit, Council Tax Support, and disability-related payments might also be available depending on your specific circumstances.

Understanding Universal Credit for Couples

Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit designed to help with living costs for those on a low income or out of work. When one partner works and the other does not, the DWP will assess your household's total income and circumstances to determine eligibility.

Here's how it generally works for couples:

• Joint Claim Assessment: Even if one person in a couple isn't working or might not seem eligible on their own, the other person can still apply for Universal Credit. It's crucial for couples to make a joint claim for Universal Credit initially. This is because the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) needs a complete picture of both your incomes, savings, and general circumstances to accurately assess your entitlement.
• Single Claim Payment: While the initial application requires a joint claim for assessment purposes, when the DWP processes the claim, they will often adjust it to a single claim for payment. This means that either you or your partner will be paid as if you are a single person, but the amount calculated will still be based on your combined household income and circumstances.
• Income Thresholds: Your partner's earnings will affect the amount of Universal Credit you receive. There's an 'earnings taper' which means your Universal Credit payment gradually reduces as your partner's income increases. However, you might still receive some Universal Credit even if your partner works, especially if they are on a low income, have children, or have high housing costs.

Example:

• If your partner earns £1,000 per month, and your Universal Credit entitlement (before deductions) for housing and living costs is £800, your Universal Credit payment will be reduced by a certain percentage of your partner's earnings (e.g., 55p for every £1 earned over any work allowance you might have). This means you might still receive a partial payment.

Other Benefits and Support You Might Be Able to Claim

Beyond Universal Credit, several other benefits and types of support could be available, depending on your household's specific needs and circumstances:

• Child Benefit:
  • If you have children, you can claim Child Benefit regardless of your income or whether your partner works.
  • Be aware of the High Income Child Benefit Charge if either partner earns over £60,000 a year, which may reduce the net benefit received.
  • Find out more: Child Benefit - GOV.UK
• Council Tax Support (or Reduction):
  • This is a local council benefit that helps you pay your Council Tax bill. It's means-tested, meaning your eligibility and the amount you receive will depend on your household income, savings, and who lives with you.
  • Find out more: Council Tax Reduction - GOV.UK
• Housing Benefit:
  • If you rent your home, Housing Benefit helps you pay your rent.
  • For most people, housing costs are now covered by Universal Credit. However, you might still claim Housing Benefit if you are in supported accommodation, temporary accommodation, or if you already receive certain legacy benefits (e.g., Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance).
  • Find out more: Housing Benefit - GOV.UK
• Disability Benefits (if applicable):
  • If you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that affects your daily living or mobility, you might be eligible for non-means-tested disability benefits such as:
    • Personal Independence Payment (PIP): For those aged 16 to State Pension age.
    • Attendance Allowance (AA): For those over State Pension age.
  • These benefits are not affected by your partner's income or savings and can be claimed alongside other benefits.
  • Find out more: Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - GOV.UK or Attendance Allowance - GOV.UK
• Carer's Allowance:
  • If you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who receives certain disability benefits (like PIP, AA, Disability Living Allowance), you might be able to claim Carer's Allowance. There are earnings limits for the carer, but your partner's income does not usually affect this benefit.
  • Find out more: Carer's Allowance - GOV.UK
• Maternity Allowance or Statutory Sick Pay (SSP):
  • If you recently stopped working due to pregnancy or sickness, you might still be entitled to Maternity Allowance (if you don't qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay) or Statutory Sick Pay, based on your past National Insurance contributions or work record. These are usually paid directly by the DWP or a former employer.
  • Find out more: Maternity Allowance - GOV.UK or Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) - GOV.UK

Key Factors Determining Eligibility

When assessing your eligibility for benefits as a couple where one partner works, several factors are taken into account:

How to Check and Apply

• Online Benefits Calculators: Use free, independent benefit calculators from organisations like Turn2us, Citizens Advice, or Policy in Practice to get an estimate of what you might be entitled to.
• Citizens Advice: They offer comprehensive guidance and support on benefit eligibility and applications.
• GOV.UK: The official government website provides detailed information and application portals for most benefits.

It's always recommended to check your eligibility, even if you think your partner's income might be too high, as individual circumstances and housing costs can significantly impact the final assessment.