A ‘personal allowance’ is included in our assessment as the amount needed to cover your day-to-day living costs such as:
- food
- utility bills
- clothing
The amount is based on the equivalent weekly amount of benefit that would be paid to an individual or couple of the same age.
From 10 April 2023, the personal allowance depending on your age and relationship status are:
- £67.20 - if you’re single and aged under 25
- £84.80 - if you’re single, aged under 25 and receive Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) with a component or have been treated as incapable of work for 28 weeks or more
- £84.80 - if you’re single and aged 25 to 59
- £201.05 - if you’re single and aged 60 or over
- £133.30 - if you’re in a couple and aged less than 60
- £306.85 - if you’re in a couple and aged 60 or over
- £84.80 - if you’re a lone parent, any age