Non-dependant couple on income support

Yamor

Does anyone know whether a non-dependant deduction would be made for a couple, both under-25, who are receiving income support because the woman is pregnant?

I know that only one non-dependant deduction is ever made for a couple, and I know that no deduction is made for a non-dependant under 25 on income support, but in this case the entitlement to income support is because of her, does that stop a deduction being made for him?

Income support gets awarded to the couple jointly, but in this case it's the woman who is the reason for entitlement and the claimant.

FBaby

On which basis is she on income support? Being pregnant, in itself, would not be the reason/

Yamor

From 11wks before due date until 15wks after birth, pregnant woman can receive IS.

BigAunty

Why isn't the non-pregant one on JSA?! Can a couple actually be on Income Support with no requirement for the non-pregnant person to seek work for 26 weeks...?

Yamor

Yes. That is actually one thing which is changing with universal credit.
Although the partner can be required to come in to the jobcentre for an interview.

nannytone_2

they can if she is the claimant and he is then her sependant,

if they were on JSA he would need to look for work

FBaby

Interesting, just read that it is possible...in some instances, but that the rules are complicated and they don't provide details on when that would be accepted or not.

FBaby

Just out of curiosity, what is the rationale behind this (that a partner can be on IS just because his partner is pregnant???), that is if there is one of course!

pmlindyloo

To answer your question about non dependant deductions these vary from council to council.

Google with the name of your local council plus non dependant deductions rates and you will find your answer.

I've done a quick check and if you are under 25 and both receiving Income Support (which you are as it is a joint claim)the councils I have checked say there is a nil deduction.

But, you need to check for your own council.

Yamor

Oh, it's clear in regulations that income support receivers under 25 should not have any deduction made because of them. Any council who does differently is wrong. (Have a look at Housing Benefit Regulations 2006, section 74(8).)

My question is that although the income support rate awarded is for the couple, it's the pregnant woman who is the claimant. Will that still bring both partners into this no deduction rule.

Yamor

FBaby wrote: »

Just out of curiosity, what is the rationale behind this (that a partner can be on IS just because his partner is pregnant???), that is if there is one of course!

No rationale! It is being changed under UC though, so they have finally realised.