The rules, answered · checked 7 November 2026
What if the UK partner gets disability or carer’s benefits?
Quick answer
If the UK partner receives a listed benefit such as PIP, DLA, Attendance Allowance or Carer’s Allowance, the £29,000 rule is replaced by “adequate maintenance”: enough to support the family without relying on public funds.
What the rules say
Disability and carer’s benefits
If the UK partner receives a listed benefit such as Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Armed Forces Independence Payment or Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, the income rule is replaced by “adequate maintenance”: enough to support the family without relying on public funds.
From GOV.UK, checked 7 November 2026.
The income rule
First applications made on or after 11 April 2024 need £29,000 a year before tax, with no extra amount for children. It can come from the UK partner’s job, self-employment, a pension, rent or dividends, or savings. Before entry, the applying partner’s job abroad doesn’t count; their job in the UK counts if they already work here with permission. Different kinds of income can usually be added together.
From GOV.UK, checked 7 November 2026.
On your tracker
Answer seven questions and the tracker lists these, where they apply to you, with the dates each must fall between and every requirement to tick:
- The UK partner’s benefit award letter
- Your monthly housing and council tax costs
Information, not immigration advice. Whether your documents meet a rule is a judgement only a regulated adviser can make: have your bundle checked.