5 October 2005 - Find out the facts on your benefits: Minister urges same-sex couples
With just two months to go until civil partnerships legislation comes into force, DWP Minister Lord Hunt of Kings Heath has urged same-sex couples to find out how their social security benefits may be affected.
The new legislation comes into affect from 5 December and will give same sex couples legal recognition for the first time. It also means that any cohabiting same-sex couple will be treated as one unit – even if they choose not to form a civil partnership – just like opposite sex-couples.
Lord Hunt said:
“Equality is a crucial part of modern society. The new civil partnership legislation will give gay and lesbian couples many of the same rights as married partners so any benefits they receive may be affected.”
“Depending on the benefit they receive, they could be entitled to additional money for their partner and they will gain survivor rights to each others’ pension.
“But it may also mean that income related benefits, like Income Support, is reduced or stopped. This legislation is essentially about equality and any changes to benefits will mean that civil partners are being treated in exactly the same way as opposite-sex couples.”
“I am asking cohabiting same-sex couples to get in touch to find out if their benefits will be affected. I want to reassure people that the rules will be applied with respect and sensitivity.
” The Government is committed to equality for all and in our modern society it is only right that gay and lesbian couples who have made a decision to share their lives should be given the recognition they deserve. Civil partners will receive equal treatment in legal matters such as inheritance tax or be entitled to any work place benefits that are extended to employees’ partners such as health insurance. It will also provide some peace of mind should their partner die ensuring that they do not loose their joint home and that they are not excluded from their partners’ funeral.
“Treating people equally - no matter what their race, gender, disability or age - is what makes this country a more tolerant and caring place to live. Civil partnerships will play an important part in achieving this and ensuring that couples can benefit from the stability that these changes could bring.”
Notes for editors
- Same-sex couples have a responsibility to contact the office which deals with their benefits and explain of their living circumstances. This will depend on the benefit and could be, for example, Jobcentre Plus or the local benefits office, the Pension Service or the Child Support Agency.
- Income related benefits that may be affected are: Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance (income based), Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax benefit.
- Extra cost benefits such as Disability Living Allowance will not be affected.
- The DWP has produced a leaflet ‘Getting it right’ to inform same-sex couples of possible changes to their financial circumstances. This leaflet is available from outlets such as Citizens Advice Bureau and doctors’ surgeries.
- Further information about civil partnerships can be found on www.womenandequalityunit.gov.uk.
- For further information about benefits rights please contact the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 882200 or textphone 0800 243 355.
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