Universal Credit: further information for couples
What Universal Credit means for couples who make a joint claim, including who can make a joint claim and what they will be expected to do in return.
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This guide provides basic information about what couples need to know if they make a joint Universal Credit claim.
It includes information about how DWP defines a couple and the steps that people will be expected to take when they make a joint Universal Credit claim. It covers:
- how a joint claim is made online
- what claimants will be expected to do in return
- how payments are made
Part of the Universal Credit toolkit for partner organisations.
Last updated 20 December 2023 + show all updates
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Added: If you're in a couple and only one of you does not meet their responsibilities, you may receive a sanction to your joint payment. Removed: ‘If you have children you may be able to make a Universal Credit claim if you live in certain parts of the country.’ Removed: ‘Universal Credit is being introduced in stages and other eligibility conditions may apply. Whether you can claim it will depend on where you live and your personal circumstances.'
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Updated the Universal Credit taper and Work Allowance rates.
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Removed the wording 'You will not get a sanction if you cannot keep to your Claimant Commitment because of coronavirus (COVID-19)'.
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Updated English and Welsh 'Universal Credit: further information for couples'. Section 15 'What happens if my partner or I get a job?' now shows work allowance rates effective from 6 April 2020.
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Updated the monthly work allowance rates, 'If you get help with housing costs' from £198 to £287 and 'if you don’t get help with housing costs' from £409 to £503.
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Added a more detailed definition of a 'severely disabled person' to section 13.
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Removed references to Universal Credit full and live service.
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Updated information about mixed age couples who claim Universal Credit.
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Updated the Universal Credit information for couples page.
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This page is being updated with the latest changes to Universal Credit and will be republished shortly.
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Removed permitted work amount for couples from section 4 as this no longer applies. Each claim is based on the couple's circumstances.
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Updated guide with new 0800 freephone numbers for Universal Credit.
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Added information and link to Money Advice Service money manager.
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Updated to reflect changes to Universal Credit from April 2016 (English only, Welsh to follow).
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Revised version with new information about the roll-out of Universal Credit.
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Revised version includes the latest information about Universal Credit.
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First published.