Same Sex Couples - Benefit Rules

The Civil Partnership Act

The Civil Partnership Act 2004 created the new legal status of 'civil partner' and lets same sex couples obtain legal recognition of their relationship.

The Department for Work and Pensions has decided that same sex couples - whether they have gone through a civil partnership ceremony or if they are living together as if they were civil partners - are now treated in the same way as opposite sex couples who are married or are living together as husband and wife.

If you are a same sex couple, you should claim Housing Benefit or Local Housing Allowance and Council Tax benefit jointly.

If you do not inform us that you are forming a civil partnership or that you are living together as civil partners, you may get too much benefit and may be asked to repay it.

For more information, please contact the Benefits Team.

Further details can also be found at the Direct.gov - Civil Partnerships website.