3. The standard allowance
The
‘standard allowance’ is always included in your award. It is the basic amount to cover essential living costs for you, and for your partner if you are claiming jointly (see
Chapter 14(3)). Lower amounts are paid if you (and your partner if you are claiming jointly) are under the age of 25. The rates of the standard allowance are as follows:
Standard allowance
| | per month
|
|---|
Single claimant | aged under 25 | £311.68 |
| aged 25 or over | £393.45 |
Joint claimants | both aged under 25 | £489.23 |
| either aged 25 or over | £617.60 |
If your partner dies – If your partner dies, the standard allowance for a joint claim can continue for the remainder of the monthly assessment period in which they died and for the following two assessment periods.