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Who counts as a partner and how they affect your benefits


By 'partner' we mean:

  • someone you're married to;
  • a civil partner;
  • someone you live with as if you are married to them; or
  • someone you live with as if you are civil partners.

A civil partnership is a formal arrangement that gives partners the same legal status as a married couple.

How having a partner affects your benefit

If you have a partner, you must claim as a couple. We count your partner's income and savings, as well as yours, when we work out your Council Tax Support or Housing Benefit.

If one member of a couple is claiming from us, the other member can't claim the same benefit for the same period of time.

Partners can choose which one of them claims.

Am I entitled to any help?

You can check this by using our online confidential calculator.

Use our online calculator

Need help?

Most issues can be resolved online, it's the quickest and most convenient way to get help.

Use our contact us form