Benefit changes for mixed age couples

A mixed age couple is where one person is state pension age and one is working age. They do not have to be married to be considered a couple.

Currently, if on a low income or needing help with rent, mixed age couples have the choice to apply for Pension Credit and Housing Benefit or Universal Credit - most choose Pension Credit as the allowances are more generous and there are no conditions around looking for work (for the working age person in the couple).

The government has announced that from 15th May 2019, mixed age couples will only be able to apply for Universal Credit (until they both reach state pension age).

Anyone in a mixed age couple, already getting Pension Credit or Housing Benefit will be protected from this change for as long as the claim remains active. Changes in your circumstances such as one of you permanently going into a care home, your finances increasing and you no longer being entitled to Pension Credit, you no longer being a couple and (for Housing benefit) moving house, will result in this protection stopping.

We would suggest that anyone in a mixed-age couple, who has not checked their entitlement to benefits recently, have a check. 

There are many ways to do this: 

- Check online at  https://benefitscheck.ageuk.org.uk/Home/Start/

- Contact an advice centre local to you

- Contact us on 0345 450 1276 and ask for the helpline

 - Book an appointment at our Abingdon office by calling 0345 450 1276