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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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 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.
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