Due to the severe cost of living problem, millions of British people are having financial difficulties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thankfully, there are numerous support programmes available to assist individuals in need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Did you know that you can increase the amount that you pay on Universal Credit? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you’re filing a claim alone or with someone else will determine how much benefits you receive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you live alone, your usual monthly allowance is \u00a3368.74. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Partners making a joint Universal Credit claim can get \u00a3578.82 between them, but when exactly should a claim be made together?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lynne Thomson, and ex-DWP worker and tax adviser, says there is potentially money going unclaimed as people aren’t aware of when they need to make a joint claim as a couple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s important to understand the difference as it could boost payments by up to \u00a31,903.92 a year. However, if you make a claim as two single people when it should be together, you could owe money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So what exactly is a couple in these terms? According to Lynne, if two people are married or are together as if they were, they must make a joint claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if they are both single, they should make two single person claims.\u00a0A joint claim for Universal Credit is generally much less than two single person claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lynne says the Department for Work and Pensions will not say what is a couple and use several things to decide whether two people are and must make a joint claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether those people are living together or not makes very little difference about if they are a couple. So, even if two people are living together, it does not mean they are a couple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Equally, even when one person moves away it does not always mean they are not a couple. No one thing defines a couple, and it is never possible to say with certainty whether two people are single or whether they are “a couple”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The DWP looks at things like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Due to the numerous variables, it is usually worthwhile to verify these facts before making a claim. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your situation, including whether you live with someone, your age, and your income if you work, will determine how much you receive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Policy in Practice estimates that every year, unclaimed Universal Credit is worth \u00a37.5 billion, and a quick check with a benefits calculator might be beneficial.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Due to the severe cost of living problem, millions of British people are having financial difficulties. Thankfully, there are numerous support programmes available to assist individuals in need. Did you … <\/p>\n