The simple check to make now on Universal Credit that can boost payments by £1,904 a year

HOW much you can get on Universal Credit depends on if you’re single or making a claim with someone else.

The standard monthly allowance if you’re solo is £368.74, though there are other payments if you have kids or housing costs too.

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Partners making a joint Universal Credit claim can get £578.82 between them, but when exactly should a claim be made together?

Lynne Thomson, and ex-DWP worker and tax adviser, says there is potentially money going unclaimed because people are not aware of when they need to make a joint claim as a couple – or the more beneficial two single claims.  

Understanding the difference could boost benefit payments by up to £1,903.92 a year, so it can pay to check.

But on the other hand, if you make a claim as two single people when it should be made together, you could end up owing money.

So what exactly is a couple? Here, Lynne explains what you need to know to get the money you’re entitled to.

Why is it important?

If two people are married or are together as if they were married, they must make a joint claim for Universal Credit. 

However, if they are both single, they should make two single person claims. 

A joint claim for Universal Credit is generally much less than two single person claims.

What is a couple?

Unhelpfully, the DWP will not say what is a couple and use several things to decide whether two people are a couple and must make a joint claim – or whether they are two single people and can each make a claim on their own. 

Whether those people are living together or not living together makes very little difference about whether they are a couple.  

So, even if two people are living together, it does not mean that they are a couple. 

Equally, even when one person moves away it does not always mean that 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”.  

The DWP looks at things like:

• How did you come to be living together?  Were you previously in a relationship?
• What are your domestic arrangements?  Do you cook and eat together.  Do you do each other’s laundry?
• Is there sharing of finances?
• Do you socialise together?
• Is there evidence of family life?  Do you take the children on days out together?

Because there is no one definition of a couple, it is best to use examples to determine what is a couple and what is not a couple.  

• People living together may not be a couple

• Some people married and living together are not a couple

Even if two people have been previously in a relationship, and they continue to live together after the relationship ends, they can still make single person claims.

• Not living together?  You still may be a couple.

Just because one person works away does not mean that they are not a couple.

• The six-month rule

Confusingly, if one person is absent from their home for more than six months, or expects to be absent for more than six months the remaining partner must make a Universal Credit claim as a single person.

So, there is no one definition of a couple.  It is more about how you are perceived by others, or if you present yourself as a couple.

Secondly, even if you are a couple, you can still make single person’s claim if you live apart for six months or more.

How much can I get on Universal Credit?

You are generally eligible for Universal Credit if you’re on a low income or are out of work.

How much Universal Credit you can get depends on your circumstances, like if you live with someone, your age and how much you earn if you are working.

It’s estimated that £7.5billion worth of Universal Credit is going unclaimed each year, according to Policy in Practice.

A simple check using a benefits calculator could tell you if your missing out in essential cash you’re entitled to.

The benefit is made up of a standard element and additional payments, if you have kids for instance or need help with housing costs.

Here’s the standard allowance per month for Universal Credit:

• Single, under 25  – £292.11
• Single, 25 or over  – £368.74
• Couple, joint claimants both under 25  –  £458.51
• Couple, joint claimants, one or both 25 or over  – £578.82

These rates are also set to rise from April 2024 to keep up with the increasing cost of living.

Here are the new rates:

• Single, under 25  – £311.68
• Single, 25 or over  – £393.45
• Couple, joint claimants both under 25  –  £489.23
• Couple, joint claimants, one or both 25 or over  – £617.60

You may also get additional money on top of this standard amount if you:

• have children
• have a disability or health condition which prevents you from working
• need help paying your rent or covering housing costs

You can check out the amounts for each of these in our guide, plus how much payments will rise next year.

How do I claim Universal Credit?

You can apply for Universal Credit online by creating a government website account.

In order to access the benefit, you should submit your claim within 28 days of making an account.

You’ll need to provide information like your bank account information, details of your income like payslips and any savings and investments.

You will also need to prove your identity with a driving licence, passport of debit and credit card.

You can get help with your application by calling the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644, or the online support as you’re completing your application.

You can also get advice and support on making a claim from Citizens Advice.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk