Citizens Advice urges same sex couples living together to check out changes
5th December 2005
National charity Citizens Advice is concerned that gay men and lesbians celebrating new rights under today's civil partnership changes may not be fully aware of the implications of the new law.
In some cases, if a person lives with their same-sex partner, their rights may be affected whether or not they choose to enter into a civil partnership.
The problem-solving charity has published new guidance aimed at helping same-sex couples find out more about the new Civil Partnership law.
A new fact sheet, available under 'What’s new' on the Citizens Advice website www.adviceguide.org.uk, explains how people can register a civil partnership. It also tells them about changes to inheritance, tax, housing and benefits rights, and where people can go to get more advice.
Under the new law, which comes into forcetoday, same-sex couples who register a civil partnership will have the same legal benefits and tax rights as heterosexual married couples. They will usually be accepted as their partner’s next-of-kin and be eligible for pension benefits.
The changes will mean that some couples claiming pensions, tax credits or welfare benefits may see their entitlements change. Instead of claiming individually, same-sex couples who live together will be treated as a couple and no longer as two single people, even if they do not register a civil partnership. Benefit entitlements will be affected because the income and savings of both partners will be taken into account when working out benefit claims.
Some people will find they no longer qualify for benefit as a result of these changes and are likely to be worse off. People who have not let the benefit and tax credit authorites know about their same-sex relationship by today may be overpaid as a result and may be asked for the money back.
Citizens Advice Head of Public Information Liz Seward said:
"At long last same-sex couples are getting recognition for their relationships in the eyes of the law. It will mean far-reaching changes to the rights of same-sex couples, giving them the same legal benefits and tax advantages as married couples.
"However, we can not stress enough how important it is that same-sex couples are aware of what these changes will mean. Many people do not realise that the changes may affect them regardless of whether they register a civil partnership or not.
"People can access our fact sheet at www.adviceguide.org.uk to find out more about the law and where they can get more help if they need it. They can also consult their nearest Citizens Advice Bureau for free, confidential, independent advice about how the changes may affect them."
Last updated: February 22, 2007