Universal Credit
If you're on a low income or you're out of work, you might be able to claim Universal Credit to boost your income.
Benefits for mixed age couples
Being part of a mixed age couple affects which benefits you can claim. Find out if this affects you and what you should do if it does.
What is a mixed age couple?
A mixed age couple is where one person is over State Pension age and the other person is under. State Pension age is currently 66 for both men and women.
Which benefits can mixed age couples claim?
As of 15 May 2019, mixed age couples are no longer able to choose whether they claim Universal Credit, Pension Credit or pension-age Housing Benefit.
Instead, mixed age couples can only claim Universal Credit until they both reach State Pension age.
What if I was already claiming Pension Credit or Housing Benefit before 15 May 2019?
If you were already claiming these benefits on 15 May 2019, you shouldn't be affected. However, if your circumstances change or you take a break from claiming your Pension Credit or Housing Benefit, it might mean you have to claim Universal Credit instead.
Things that might affect your claim include:
- a change of address to a different local council area
- going abroad for more than 4 weeks
- a change in the amount of capital you have
- stopping claiming a benefit that helps you qualify for Pension Credit or Housing Benefit
- separating from your partner and then getting back together.
In this case, it's best to get advice on your situation. Contact your local Age UK or call the Age UK Advice Line on 0800 678 1602.
We're here to help
We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.