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 6 April 2026, the personal allowance depending on your age and relationship status are:
- £75.65 - if you’re single and aged under 25
- £95.55 - 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
- £95.55 - if you’re single and aged 25 to 59
- £238.00 - if you’re single and aged 60 or over
- £150.15 - if you’re in a couple and aged less than 60
- £363.25 - if you’re in a couple and aged 60 or over
- £95.55 - if you’re a lone parent, any age