student partner with bursary and benefits?

catnicex

Hi,
my wife is at risk of being made redundant by the next few weeks.
I am currently a MRes/PhD Student and I have a department bursary (less than 13,000 pound/year no tax).
I made a simulation with the calculator and she seems to be eventually entitled to benefits but I can't understand if she has to add to the calculation my student bursary (in the calculator, under partner's other income?).
Some friends told me yes, that she has to add my student bursary (then NO entitlement to benefits), some others the opposite.
In the second case I would seem to me incredible because it would be better to divorce! (I am joking but if we divorce and we go and live separated she can have the benefits...it would be ridicolous...and obviously I am not going to divorce for such a reason...)

Anybody has the solution?

Many thanks

A.

CattyMouse

I know the feeling. My husband work full time and I work part time as I'm a student, paying all these taxes you'd think I get much help . . . we considered divorcing but it's not worth it. But the again when I think about it I would be about 10k better off if not more!

Oldernotwiser

If your wife hasd paid NICs for the last 2 years she'll be eligible for Contributions Based JSA, which won't be affected by your income. For any means tested benefits your income will be counted as you are assessed as a couple.