PETITIONRejectedPetition · petition.parliament.uk
If you're taxed as an individual, you should receive benefits as an individual
Since 1996 working couples, despite being taxed as individuals, are only entitled to 6 months of benefits if one of them loses their employment, and have to work for a further 2 years to be eligible again. They must rely on their partner to support them after that time.
Last fetched 03 May 2026 · petition.parliament.uk
Signatures
9
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 9/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 9/100,000
Background
This needs to change as, if you pay into the system as an individual, you should receive benefits as an individual. It is unfair that couples who never work or pay into the system are not penalised in the same way, and move seamlessly from welfare benefits to state pension. Most other countries allow an individual whose partner works, to claim for around 2 years. People affected by this draconian rule are at the mercy of their partners to provide them with an income and this needs to stop.