DWP warns people who claim Universal Credit who are 'in a relationship'

The Department for Work and Pensions has warned Universal Credit claimants who are in relationships. The DWP has issued the warning to people being migrated to Universal Credit, as old legacy-style benefits are phased out.

The DWP has explained the process if you have a partner, stating if you live with your partner, you must make a joint claim for your household, even if your partner is not eligible for Universal Credit. You’re treated as a couple if you live in the same household and are married to each other, in a civil partnership or living together as if you’re married.

The first person to create their account will receive a partner linking code, which the other person can then use to create their account. This links the accounts together to make a joint account. You begin by creating a Universal Credit online account each. The first person to create their account will be given a partner code, which will be displayed on screen.

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This code will need to be input by your partner when they register for their Universal Credit online account. This ensures the accounts are joined together and you’re correctly claiming as a couple. Once you’ve created your account a claim can be made for Universal Credit. You’ll have 28 days from creating the account to make a claim. You should aim to complete the application as soon as possible to get your claim started.

If 28 days pass and a claim is not made you’ll need to register for an online account again. If one of you is not eligible, their capital and income may still be taken into account. The rules are different for couples who live apart, though.

The DWP has clarified that if you and your partner both recieve migration notices, you both need to make single claims, rather than a joint one. The guidance states: "If you’re in a couple who live apart and you both get Migration Notices, you’ll each need to make separate single claims."