We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Forced to claim as a couple (Partner is student)
Options
Comments
-
littleboots13 wrote: »Will they not take into consideration my partners outgoings before making the assumtion I can afford to live off her too? .
No, outgoings are not taken into account. Benefits work on the basis of the government deciding what they think it is reasonable for people to live on, not on what individuals actually spend.Information I post is for England unless otherwise stated. Some rules may be different in other parts of UK.0 -
So they don't take anything else into consideration? Is it even worth attempting to appeal?0
-
littleboots13 wrote: »She is a full time student who lives off her maintenance loan as she's currently swamped with uni projects so isn't going to be looking for work until that dies down.0
-
littleboots13 wrote: »So they don't take anything else into consideration? Is it even worth attempting to appeal?
What exactly would you like to appeal and what do you think you'll achieve from doing that?0 -
littleboots13 wrote: »So they don't take anything else into consideration? Is it even worth attempting to appeal?Information I post is for England unless otherwise stated. Some rules may be different in other parts of UK.0
-
-
poppy12345 wrote: »When was the last time you worked and have you paid enough NI Contributions in tax years April 2016-2017 and April 2017-2018? If you have then you maybe entitled to New style JSA. This isn't means tested and pays £73.10 per week but is only paid for 6 months.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-jobseekers-allowance
Good point.
https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/jobseekers-allowance
OP should look at this before the end of the year.
And, if he doesn't have the 2 years NI contributions - then again in Jan 2020 for years 17/8 and 18/19.Alice Holt Forest situated some 4 miles south of Farnham forms the most northerly gateway to the South Downs National Park.0 -
My son claimed income based ESA. As his first university was in London, his maintenance loan was higher. His ESA was not paid except during the long holiday. He moved to a university outside London, maintenance loan was lower and he was able to claim full ESA. He was actually a lot better off outside London. There was no appeal, the loan money is taken as a whole amount, if there was money allowed for rent and costs, it didn't make any difference.
There is however, possibly an additional amount your gf can get for a dependent adult https://www.gov.uk/adult-dependants-grant. I have no idea how this works or how easy it would be to be awarded. There often are exclusions to these things but its worth looking into.
Just to give you an indication of how it works. I think you have the hard decision of whether your gf can afford to live with you, or what changes you both can make re working or budget.
Or I'd advise going on the Debt free board and see if there are any savings you can make.
She might receive better help if she goes to her university support services. There may also possibly be additional bursaries etc she can get. If the university isn't local to you (meaning travel expenses), moving in with you might be an additional expense she could save on.
I know my son hasn't learned to budget lol.., grant money comes in, its gone within the month. Has me spitting tacks at times as none of it is on what I'd call essentials lol. I hope he will learn one day. I know I did budget very aggressively when I was a student and made my money last. There are ways. I did a nursing degree (very long hours) and also worked. I lived on vegetables, and whatever was cheap, rarely went out, everything was cut to the bone. You manage. Walked everywhere, never been so slim lol. When money is short, you really do have to look at what is essential to keep going. You are lucky enough to be living with your parents so assume expenses (bills etc) will be lower than living independently
I'm not being nasty, been there done it. You might need to look long and hard at the budget. Wish my son knew what the word meant lol.0 -
poppy12345 wrote: »I know your advice is usually spot on! but just incase anyone reads this thread then if the couple are both under 25 then their joint allowance will be £395 per month.
I had inferred OP was over 25 because they said they were getting £317 as a single claimant. However thanks for pointing that out for the benefit of others reading the thread for information.
Incidentally, poppy, hope you are now well settled in your new home (I think I recall that you recently moved).Information I post is for England unless otherwise stated. Some rules may be different in other parts of UK.0 -
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 350.7K Banking & Borrowing
- 253K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453.4K Spending & Discounts
- 243.7K Work, Benefits & Business
- 598.5K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.8K Life & Family
- 256.9K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.6K Read-Only Boards